2007 Fontezoppa Vardo Colli Maceratesi Rosso Marche Italy

Azienda Agroforestale Fontezoppa Civitanova Marche Italy

Nestled in the central eastern coastal region of Italy known as “Le Marche”, Azienda Agroforestale FONTEZOPPA is located in the outskirt of Civitanova, a commune facing the Adriatic Sea, about 46 kilometers southwest of Ancona and about 52 kilometers east of Serrapetrona.

The owner/winemaker Giovanni Basso, benefiting from 20 years of experience as a grower, continues to produce harmonious, earthy wines of traditional character with the upmost respect for the environment.

The vineyards are located in the hilly province of Macerata, some on the hills’ slopes surrounding the town of Serrapetrona, a stone throw from San Severino, and some close to Civitanova, both areas considered to be some of the best spots to grow grapes in the Marche region.

The 25-year-old vines grow between 500-600 meters above sea level, benefiting from the cool sea breeze of the nearby Adriatic Sea, resulting in great balance and freshness, even for the reds. Fontezoppa vineyards are planted with classic grapes like Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also more indigenous grapes like Lacrima, Maceratino, Incrocio Bruni (a rare crossing of Verdicchio and Sauvignon) and Pecorino.

Fontezoppa produces about 15 different wines and a grappa. The 4 wines available in New York (through SoilAir Selection) are crafted mainly with Verdicchio for the white and predominantly with Sangiovese complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the reds.

• Verdicchio di Matelica: a clean, refreshing and versatile white made of 100% Verdicchio grapes vinified in stainless steel tank white.

• Marche Rosso I.G.T: a juicy red made of 40% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot from younger vines, also vinified in stainless steel tank.

• “Falcotto” from Serrapetrona appellation: a great, full-bodied, earthy and spicy red made from the rather undiscovered Vernaccia Nera grape variety, a sibling of the more popular Vernaccia white. Vernaccia Nera is mainly planted in the Serrapetrona appellation where it is also used to produce sparkling red wines and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region where the resulting reds are light, earthy, spicy and mineral.

And the wine of today:


2007 Fontezoppa Vardo Colli Maceratesi Rosso Marche Italy
Suggested retail price $13-$16
Imported/distributed by SoilAir Selection in NYC

The vineyards used for “Vardo” are located in the Colli Maceratesi, a Denominazione di origine Controllata (DOC) producing some white wines under “Colli Maceratesi Bianco”, which comprise at least 80% of the Maceratino grape (also known as Montecchiese) with the remaining 20% from Trebbiano Toscano, Verdicchio, Malvasia and Chardonnay. Also some red wines under “Colli Maceratesi Rosso”, which must comprise at least 50% of the Sangiovese grape with the remaining 50% from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Lacrima Merlot and Montepulciano.

Vardo` is a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon as the label indicates it; although the winery website says differently, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, which I wouldn’t be surprised if the later corresponds to the real blend. The grapes were carefully harvested from vineyards consisting of 8 years old vines planted at about 150 meters above sea level, with North Eastern exposure to the sun. The fermentation occurred in stainless steel tank, where the wine also spent a resting period of 3 months, followed by a maturation period of 12 months in big 60 hectoliters used French oak casks to confer more complexity and structure to the wine without imparting the taste with too much toasted oak flavors. Then it was bottled with no filtration or fining to keep its texture and maximize the quality by preserving all essential components.

A blend of roughly 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from 25 years old vines, 2007 Fontezoppa Vardo` Colli Maceratesi Rosso shows a beautiful, bright ruby-garnet color of light to medium intensity, with slight mature brown prune reflects on the rime. Although quite expressive, the nose is moderately complex, offering enjoyable, yet dry earthy aromas of dark berries, spices and black fruits intermingled with hints of smoke, black earth, pencil shaving, graphite and other minerals. Light to medium bodied, the palate is rather dry, very earthy, mineral and crisp, characterized by intense, dry fruity spicy flavors and black fruit. Very well balanced, the palate is full yet not heavy, fairly complex and persistent with vegetal, slightly herbaceous notes mixed with dry earth and juicy black fruits. From the beginning, the acidity and the mineral procure focus, while the soft and supple tannins provide a tamed structure all along towards the lengthy peppery and herbal, spicy finish.

Definitely a food wine enhanced by its acidity and minerality, complemented by a lot of earthy components and spices. Decanting is highly recommended, and in my opinion the wine was even showing better the next day, it appeared more settled and put together. Drink it with earthy dishes like game, poultry and venison; also some aged cheeses. I love it. A steal under $15, for connoisseurs and amateurs of more cerebral wines, like me.

Enjoy,

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from the importer website at www.soilairselection.com and from the winery website at www.cantinefontezoppa.com

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic, Biologique and Organic wines and spirits and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe! Also follow projects and products from the Fair Trade, an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Also support 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. "Commerce Equitable" or "Fair Trade" is evidently and more than ever a needed movement connecting producers and customers, to be aware of others and their cultural and traditional products based on high quality, natural components and craftsmanship.

Nine wonderful wines to drink for Christmas and New Year eve!

Nine wonderful wines to drink for Christmas and New Year eve!

Perhaps, you may wonder what a wine buyer like me drinks or would love to drink for Christmas and New Year eve. Well, I thought about it and decided to share with you the nine wines that first came to my mind amongst all the wines that we have in the store.

Of course, these are my choices and this short list entirely reflects my palate. I could have chose dozens of other wines, but these were really the ones that I wanted the most for innumerable reasons. Surprisingly, for a Spanish wine lover, I didn't chose any Spanish wines. Oh well, I will catch up on some other occasions next year.

I hope that this little selection will generate some inspiration for your own celebration dinners and parties. Happy holidays to you all! And thanks for your comments and faithful reading! Let's hope that next year I will find the time to write even more and about more interesting staff. Cheers! Sante!

NV Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Rose France
Suggested retail price $78-$85
Imported/Distributed by T-Edward in NYC

One of the most sought-after Champagne house in the US market and for the longest time very difficult to find, Billecart-Salmon is back with a revenge to take its rightful place at the top of the greatest Champagne. Flavorful, crisp, focus, delicate and harmonious, Billecart-Salmon Brut rose will please your taste buds in ways that few champagne brands do.


2008 Figge "Pelio" vineyard Chardonnay Monterrey California
Suggested retail price $32-$35
Imported/Distributed by T-Edward in NYC

Figge Cellars is an artisanal boutique winery producing tiny amounts of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah wines from various vineyards benefiting of the cool climate of Monterey, California.Their Chardonnay "Pelio" vineyard has a Meursault-esque profile, offering a well rounded, fresh, creamy palate with ripe white and yellow fruit flavors, nicely framed by toasted oak nuances.


2007 Vieux Donjon Blanc Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone France
Suggested retail price $33-$36
Imported/Distributed by Lauber in NYC

Better known for their reds, Vieux Donjon is a quintessential figure in the Chateauneuf du Pape decor, producing classic, earthy and full-flavored wines. Crafted with equal shares of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it is rich, persistent and approachable with generous yellow fruits, lot of minerality and age potential.


2008 Albert Mann Pinot Noir "Clos de la Faille" Alsace France
Suggested retail price $42-$46
Imported/Distributed by Weygandt in NYC

Albert Mann is one of the few inescapable winemakers of Alsace. Organically managed and "Ecocert" certified, and better known for his whites, (his Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru is a standard of excellence), this domaine also produces a tiny amount of succulent Pinot Noir, which deserves more attention. The carefully hand-harvested grapes come from a "Clos" (single vineyard usually delimited by a small wall surrounding it) of 1 hectare, perfectly partitioned and remarkably situated right in a breach area of a fault. The Clos is enclaved between the mountains of the Vosges and the small dry plot of land covered with bushes of amelanchiers, more typical to the Mediterranean area, orchids Ophrys sphegodes, Orchis mascula, and other flowers and animals, characteristic to this protected area, classified as biotope. Aged in oak, this Pinot Noir shows a surprisingly deep ruby color. The nose boasts spicy red fruit flavors combined with earthy, toasted notes, and slight hints of coffee and tar. The palate is fairly rich and expressive, touch spicy, with generous texture and juicy fruit enhancing the lingering finish.


2009 Grosjean Torrette Vallee D'Aoste Italy
Suggested retail price $20-$24
Imported/Distributed by Madrose/Rosenthal in NYC

Ancient kingdom squeezed between France, Switzerland and Piedmont, too often overlooked, Valley d'Aoste, located southeast of the Mont-Blanc mountain in the alpine hills of the northwestern part of Italy, offers bright, mineral wines made from indigenous grape varieties. Made with local Petite Rouge grapes, Torrette from GrosJean taste like a bowl of freshly crushed red cherries, refreshing with racy acidity and seductive minerality.


2006 Produttori dei Barbaresco Barbaresco Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $32-$35
Imported/Distributed by VIAS in NYC

Nestled in the hilltop village of Barbaresco, Produttori is the most ancient cooperative of Barbaresco, producing traditional, earthy style Nebbiolo based wines from some of the most respected Crus and single vineyards of the area. Their introductory Barbaresco is a balanced, concentrated, juicy and pleasing wine with refreshing acidity that carries the fruit through the finish and adds brightness to the lingering, earthy finish.


2005 Chateau Lagrange Saint Julien Bordeaux France
Suggested retail price $62-$68
Imported/Distributed by BNP in NYC

Although owned by the Suntory group, Chateau Lagrange kept its magnificence and traditional style, offering fresh red berries and cherry enhanced by great acidity and framed by present yet integrated tannins. Benefiting of exceptional conditions, 2005 is a vintage that marked the last decade for its complexity, structure and ripeness of fruit and Chateau Lagrange delivers all of these qualities in very charming and inviting ways.


2004 L'Arco "Pario" Rosso Veronese Veneto Italy
Suggested retail price $43-$47
Imported/Distributed by Lieber Brothers in NYC

A wonderful new Italian Cantina, l'Arco is the result of a collaboration between the successful Brazilian entrepreneur Luiz Alberto Barichello and Luca Fedrigo, vineyard foreman and assistant for the renowned Giuessppe Quintarelli. Luca Fedrigo crafts Veneto wines that have similar density, texture and complexity as those from Quintarelli for much lesser prices. L'Arco "Pario" Rosso Veronese is a traditional Valpolicella blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and, in very small percentages, Croatina, made in a combined Ripasso-Amarone style and aged for approximately 3 years in large Slovenian oak. The result is superb, showing a dark ruby red color, beautifully layered inciting bouquet and rich mouth-feel with exuberant ripe dark fruits, figs, earthy, autumnal aromas and flavors. A refine companion for meat dishes and mellow cheeses, after about 2 hours in a decanter, it will be excellent with game and grilled meats.


NV D'Arlay Macvin Du Jura Sweet Red Liquor wine Jura France
Suggested retail price $41-$44
Imported/Distributed by Alain Juguenet Selection in NYC

Located in the heart of the Jura vineyards, the medieval Chateau d'Arlay has been producing stellar, classic "Côtes du Jura" red and whites, and more traditionally Vin Jaune and Macvin du Jura for centuries. Some authors have even written that Arlay was one of the oldest Vineyard Castle of France. Their Macvin is a fantastic sweet fortified red wine, meaning that alcohol has been added to the must to stop the fermentation and retain residual sugar, but also slightly increasing the alcohol level. D'Arlay Macvin is a blend of 2/3 of fresh must 100% Pinot Noir with 1/3 marc-brandy (aged for 4 years in cask), then matured for 1 year in old barrels. The result is a fantastic, rich and unctuous sweet red wine layered with tons of aromas and flavors and slight oxidative notes, like most Jura wines. It pairs well with chocolate, wild red berries and nutty dessert like pear-almond tart. To be served at moderate temperature.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Enjoy,

LeDom du Vin

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic, Biologique and Organic wines and spirits and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe! Also follow projects and products from the Fair Trade, an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Also support 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. "Commerce Equitable" or "Fair Trade" is evidently and more than ever a needed movement connecting producers and customers, to be aware of others and their cultural and traditional products based on high quality, natural components and craftsmanship.

2008 GrosJean Frères Torrette Red Vallée d’Aoste Quart Italy

Last year around the same period, I wrote a post about great wines from the Valle d’Aosta, and a few days ago, I just tried another wine from this incredible region, a true “Alibaba’s cavern” full of wine gems. So, here we go again! Back in the “Vallée d’Aoste” (as we say in French)!

This somewhat undiscovered micro-region that encompasses some of the most remote highest vineyards in Europe, is located at the far northwestern part of Italy, bordering France to the west, Switzerland to the north and Piedmont to the southeast.

Valle d’Aosta is like a minuscule dot on the world map. Often overlooked and surprisingly insignificant for the novices and other unworthy of its magnificence and history, this ancient kingdom thrones in a beautiful reclusive valley surrounded by the Alpine foothills about 50 kilometers southeast of the Mont Blanc Mountain.

The Vallée is a haven of peace and quiet where time seems to have stopped and the air seems to be pure, enhancing the untouched surrounding nature, barely tamed by human hands. Out of rather unknown indigenous grapes like Fumin, Petite Rouge, Petite Arvine, etc…Aosta’s winemakers produce fantastic whites and reds that are bright, refreshing, earthy, juicy and loaded with minerality. I love most wines from the Valle d’Aosta. They are as vibrant and limpid as a cold mountain spring, full of minerals, intense and delicate, characteristic, inviting and charming. Somewhat irresistible and delightful!

When Blake from Madrose/Rosenthal, (one of my favorite wine importers in the US for their portfolio and the consistency and the focus of their wines), came to the store to introduce me to a few new wines, and more especially to GrosJean Torrette, I was really excited to verify if GrosJean Torrette was as great as their Gamay, which evidently, immediately I tasted it became one of the new benchmarks of the store. And it exceeded my expectation.

2008 GrosJean Frères Torrette Red Wine Vallée d’Aoste Quart Italy

Grosjean Frères winery is located on the border of the towns of Quart and Saint Christophe in the Valle d'Aosta. The vines planted initially, in addition to the traditional Petit Rouge, were Gamay, Pinot Noir and Petite Arvine. Later the native Fumin, Cornalin, Prëmetta and Vuillermin were also planted.

Although the GrosJean family has for centuries made and kept wines (and nuts) for the long winter months in the mountains, the winery’s story really started in 1969, when the family members began to bottle their own wines for presentation at "The Exposition des vins du Val d'Aoste". This exhibition stimulated the initiative of increasing the vineyards, which brought the company from 3,000 square meters to the actual 7 hectares of vineyards, with the involvement of the 5 children, thus the name "Grosjean Frères" (meaning Grosjean "brothers" in French).

Grosjean Frères is part of the Association of "Viticulteurs Encaveurs" Valdostan which brings together 24 small producers who were able to characterize the quality and typicality of their wines produced in the Valle d'Aosta DOC. This group of tenants has a close relationship with the land (Valle d'Aosta) and personally follows all stages of production, from vineyard to cellar to retail sale.

The "Viticulteurs Encaveurs" devote great attention to two important factors, farming techniques and traditional vinification (usually handed down from father to son), which are then both compared to new ideas and technologies, always with a view to use friendly and natural agriculture.

Torrette, too often described as the grape variety, is in fact an area part of the central valley or "Valle Centrale", Valle d’Aosta most productive zone. Valle Centrale is further sub-divided into four areas, all still within the Valle d'Aoste DOC:

• Enfer d'Arvier (around the village of Arvier),

• Torrette (located east of Arvier and occupying a large portion of the Valle d'Aosta with the largest production),

• And the villages of Nus and Chambave (making interesting reds).

“Torrette” produces a soft, delicate, harmonious red wine, with juicy red and dark fruit characteristics. It is the most produced wine in the Aosta region; and the zone of production is the biggest compared to all other Valle d’Aosta D.O.C. (Denomination of Controlled Origin).

Torrette wines are predominantly crafted with Petite Rouge (80% minimum for most, up to 100% for some), complemented by Vien de Nus, Doucet, Fumin and/or Mayolet. Carefully hand-harvested and destemmed, the grapes’ vinification usually occurred in stainless tanks, but can be partially done in wooden barrels, depending of the desired style and the producer.


2008 GrosJean Frères Torrette Red Wine Vallée d’Aoste Quart Italy
Suggested retail price $21-$24
Imported/Distributed by Madrose/Rosenthal

This Torette is a blend 80% Petite Rouge and 20% Vien de Nus, Doucet, Fumin and Mayolet grapes from high altitude vineyards, about 550 to 650 m altitude, planted on steep slopes (30-60%) of loose soil of moraine with ideal south and south-west exposure. The wine was crafted in stainless steel tanks where it underwent a short maceration of 4-5 days, which explain the light color, and was then fermented. After fermentation, the wine rested for at least 3-6 months in stainless steel tanks to keep the freshness before bottling.

The resulting wine, 2008 GrosJean Frères Torrette Red, is beautiful and highly recommended. What a wine! Light to medium ruby color in the glass with medium to good intensity. The nose is fresh, mineral, with lovely yet discreet red-dark berries aromas. The palate is soft, gentle, well balanced, juicy, structured and focus, and highly versatile to suit any kind of dishes. Their Gamay was brighter with more acidity and lighter fruit, this Torrette is somewhat fuller and rounder, yet with great acidity, textured and length. Excellent!

Like Lagrein in Südtirol; Grignolino in Piedmont; Gamay in Loire and Burgundy and Valle d’Aosta; Dornfelder and Spätburgunder in Germany; or even Blaufrankisch, Saint Laurent, and Zweigelt in Austria; Petite Rouge and all the above grapes varieties, produce extremely friendly, somewhat light to medium, very versatile, fruity, fresh red wines that are delightfully easy to drink for any occasion. Ask your local wine store for more info (and me of course, by email or if you pass by Heights Chateau at 123 Atlantic ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201).

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic, Biologique and Organic wines (and spirits and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe! Also follow projects and products from the Fair Trade, an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Also support 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. "Commerce Equitable" or "Fair Trade" is evidently and more than ever a needed movement connecting producers and customers, to be aware of others and their cultural and traditional products based on high quality, natural components and craftsmanship.

2001 Cataregia Gran Reserva Terra Alta Spain by Gruporeserva de la Tierra

Two days ago, my rep. from Vinaio came unexpectedly to the store with a few bottles for me to taste. Unfortunately, too busy to taste them right away, he told me that he will come back and left 3 sample bottles on the tasting table in the back of the store. The end of the day arrived sooner than I thought and I totally forget about the wines.

The next day, I asked my boss if he had the chance to taste the wines. He said “yes” and “you should taste this wine from Terra Alta, it is great Gran Reserva. I’m sure you’ll like it and the price is unbelievable”. It was about 11 am when I decided to try it. Surely the best time to do it, when the taste buds just woke up and start to crave for something to drink or to eat. And the wine was amazing!

Moreover, it is a Spanish wine, and people who know me well will tell you that I’m very fond of Spain, more particularly its food and wine in the Northern part of the country.

Startled, I decide to give a closer look to the label:

2001 Cataregia Gran Reserva Terra Alta Spain 

produced and bottled by Gruporeserva de la Tierra

First, I was agreeably surprised because it came from Terra Alta, which is not so common. Then I was really surprised that it was a 2001, which was a great vintage in Spain overall. And finally, how come a Gran Reserva could be still available especially when so inexpensive? It was time to investigate to better understand this enigmatic wine that triggered such an interest to my taste buds and brain.

The wine comes from Terra Alta, an often forgotten yet up-and-coming Spanish appellation (DO), located in the most southwestern part of Tarragona, next to Priorat in Catalonia, about 180 kilometers southwest of Barcelona.

Terra Alta has recently begun producing modern style wines with similarities to other Catalan regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Fresh, mineral, fruity, complex and approachable, Terra Alta wines are reminiscent of the style from Monsant wines in structure and texture, yet less opulent and/or concentrated than Priorat wines. The Terra Alta now produces more modern-styled wines for the export market, yet traditional styles like the wine of today, can still be found even if they were historically made for local consumption.

Terra Alta literally means “High land”. And like the characteristic landscape of Priorat and Montsant, the “paysage” is mountainous where vines are planted on steep terraced slopes with very rugged, clay-textured calcareous soils. The dry climate is Mediterranean with continental influences tempered by the Cierzo and Abrego winds.

Although winemaking here goes back to the twelfth century, it always remained primarily a local endeavor until recently, because the rugged land consisting mainly of rivers and mountains crossing one another made transport and communications difficult.

Common to Priorat and Monsant, and Catalonia in general, the local grapes are:

• Red: Carinena, Garnacha Peluda, Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
  

• White: Garnacha Blanca, Parellada, Macabeo, Moscatel and Chardonnay.
  

Bodega Grupo Reserva de la Tierra was founded in 1972 and renovated extensively in the early nineties. State of the art facilities, excellent vineyards and focus on quality wines. It has enabled wine like Bodegas Gormaz to export of over one and half million bottles annually. They offer an outstanding selection of Jóvenes, Crianzas, and Reservas. The company is a leading Spanish winery group with both its own and partly owned wineries that is completely dedicated to producing and marketing private-label and own-label wines. Today, the Reserva de la Tierra Group (Gruporesera de la Tierra) controls the production over 2,000 hectares of vineyards, three of its wineries, and further three partly-owned wineries in well known and more prestigious wine-growing zones, such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Priorat, Montsant and Terra Alta.

2001 Cataregia Gran Reserva Terra Alta Spain produced and bottled by Gruporeserva de la Tierra
Suggested retail price $10-$14
Imported / Distributed by Vinaio Imports in NYC

Made with 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this Gran Reserva was aged for 30 months in French and American oak barrels, before spending another 2 years resting in bottles at the winery before release. Gran Reserva wines are an art outperformed only by the Spaniard, no other country in the world, not even France or Italy can claim be able to keep their wines out of the market for so long, it is a traditional costly yet rewarding process. I have yet to taste a bad Gran Reserva, which are understandably only produced during the best and most promising vintages.

The 2001 Cataregia Gran Reserva Terra Alta offers a dark red-brownish ripe cherry color with old prune reflects. The nose is clean, warm and inviting with bright aromas of dark and red ripe cherry fruit intermingled with cedar oak, spices, cacao, underbrush and slight toasted vanilla hints. The palate is rich and complex yet remains quite light and bright. It is definitely not very heavy or too opulent, like some neighboring Priorat can be. It is somewhat more traditional and earthy, with great tannic structure, excellent balance and racy acidity, complemented by enhancing juicy red fruit and oaky flavors similar to the ones on the nose. The mineral Terroir driven attitude add dimension and depth. The finish is earthy and mineral, long and pleasing, and command for another glass.

The 2001 vintage, which was an excellent vintage overall in northern Spain, is surely the reason of the addictive profile and complexity of this wine. 30 months in oak barrel + 2 years in bottles really allowed for a perfect integration of each element, and despite the fact that this wine is ready to drink now after a good hour of opening; it still shows great ageing potential.

Highly recommended, although a touch light (which I prefer anyway), it could have had a touch more fruit for some other palates, may be. However, I personally love it and it remains a superb Spanish wine from a fairly undiscovered appellation at an incredible price for a Gran Reserva. At under $15 a bottle, it is a steal! Not to be missed!

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from the importer website at www.vinaioimports.com

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic, Biologique and Organic wines (and spirits and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe! Also follow projects and products from the Fair Trade, an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Also support 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations worldwide

Fall is Back and 2009 Contra’ Soarda Vespaiolo Veneto Italy

Fall is back!

September is usually the month were everything re-start after a bit more than 2 months of terribly slow business. Generally, each year, just after June 15th, when school is finished (or just about depending on the school and the state), and children and students go on vacation, New York suddenly feels empty and sales drop dramatically.

Parents usually also take their vacation at that moment too, therefore the big apple become a hive for tourists from around the world. Unfortunately for us, wine & spirits retailers, when the local crowd is gone, tourists rarely come and visit us. They more often drink beer during the day and wine in restaurants at night. Rare are the few ones who come to buy their alcoholic beverage in stores.

However, September always brings a renaissance to the sales and thus we are back in business; and it goes crescendo until the 1st of January. These 4 months are the best months for all wine & spirits retailers in general, they habitually represent about 2 third of the annual revenue.

All of us, wine buyers, are eager to once again restock the shelves to full capacity with handfuls of gems and new vintage freshly arrived in the market. It is time to find the right strategy to buy intelligently most of the wines and spirits that we will sell up until the end of the year and the beginning of the year after.

Rosé, light red and refreshing white season is slowly going into a dormant faze, so it is time to find slightly heavier and substantial red and white wines to accommodate the Fall-Winter season dishes. It is also time to preorder the Beaujolais Nouveau and the bubblies for the up-and-coming festivities.

Therefore, September and October become the open season for wine treasures hunt. The city offers at least 2 to 3 portfolio tastings a day without mentioning all the lunches and dinners (I’m not surprised knowing that over the past 8 years I’ve been working at least with more 250 different importing/distributing company. Most of these specific tastings are for the trade, but they are plenty more open to the public. For more info, go to www.localwineevents.com).

Consequently, I started to go to certain tastings (can’t do them all, even if I wanted to…) and begin to ponder my wish lists for wines that will arrive gradually at the store over the next two months.

One of these wines is a Vespaiolo from a winery called Contra’ Soarda, a great white from the Veneto region imported/distributed by Jan d’Amore, a great Italian guy with a small portfolio, full of gems at great prices, which is worth keeping an eye on.

2009 Contra’ Soarda Vespaiolo Veneto Italy

Thought many times over since 1999, fully developed during 2001 and finally established in 2002 by Mirco and Gloria Gottardi, Contra’ Soarda is a modern, small family run estate, which possesses about 12 hectares of vines that lie in the picturesque village of San Michele, located in the alp’s foothills about 5 kilometers of Bassano del Grappa (about 86 kilometers north-west of Venezia, Veneto).

Rich of skills, knowledge and traditions passed on from father to son for nearly a century in the Gottardi family, Mirco and Gloria Gottardi created the new project of “Contra’ Soarda” with the desire to create a deeper tie to their native land. Meaning literally “hamlet on the slope”, the winery grows vines and olive trees with the utmost respect for the environment of this mountainous area, which sits at the mouth of the Valsugana. The Valsugana valley is one of the most important valleys in the autonomous province of Trento (also called Trentino) of Northern Italy. The valley borders the northern part of the Veneto region with its imposing mountains, which provide strong temperature changes between night and day.

The vines are densely planted to insure naturally low yields. The cellar, built inside the hill to minimize any environmental impact, is an architectural wonder and recipient of many prizes. The only use natural and biologic techniques. The soil of stony volcanic composition brings a lot of depth and complexity to resulting but more importantly confers a lot of minerality. Focusing on the often-overlooked native grape, Vespaiolo, but not neglecting the varietals that have been planted in his region for centuries, like Marzemino. Mirco produces wines that are pure, elegant and harmonious.

The production which first started in 2004 is 75.000 bottles and four of their wines are available thru Jan d’Amore: 2009 Vespaiolo, Vespaiolo “vignasilan”, 2006 Torcolato Riserva, 2007 Marzemino “Gaggion”. And I tasted them all and love them all, although the 2009 Vespaiolo was my favorite of the bunch and after re-tasting of days ago, I can already tell you that it will surely be one of my favorite white of this coming Autumn.



2009 Contra’ Soarda Vespaiolo Veneto Italy
Suggested retail price $19-$22
Imported / Distributed by Jan d'Amore in NYC

Vespaiolo is a white grape variety planted primarily in the Veneto region. The grapes ripen to high sugar levels and are used to produce off dry and sweet wines with a characteristic golden hue. The name Vespaiola comes from “Vespa” and refers to the wasps that are attracted to the vines.

Made from 100% Vespaiolo vinified in 100% Stainless steel tanks, the 2009 vintage is such an inviting white. In the glass, it offers a pale straw yellow color with golden reflects and hints of green. The distinctive and perfumy nose boasts a medley of yellow stone fruit with aromas of white peach and apple intermingled with mineral and floral notes. The ripe 2009 vintage brought some opulence to this wine. The palate is fairly soft and rounded, clean and refreshing with lovely balance, great structure and depth. With flavors similar as the ones from the nose, the juicy mid-palate is complex and expanding with coating minerality and enhancing acidity towards the lingering finish. Overall, it is an excellent wine that I highly recommend. It has opened my Fall-Winter wine-buying season on a high quality note.

If I found the time, I will try soon to write another post following this one about the other 3 wines that I tasted from Contra’ Soarda but also on quite a few of the other wines that I have been trying over the last few days.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from the importer website at www.jandamorewines.com and from the winery website at www.contrasoarda.it

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic, Biologique and Organic wines (and spirits and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe! Also follow projects and products from the Fair Trade, an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Also support 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations worldwide.

2009 Weingut Schloßmühlenhof (Schloss Müehlenhof) “Michel” Dass ist Müller-Thurgau Deutscher Perlwein mit zugesetzter Kohlensäure Rheinhessen Germany

2009 Weingut Schloßmühlenhof (Schloss Müehlenhof)

“Michel” Dass ist Müller-Thurgau
Deutscher Perlwein mit zugesetzter Kohlensäure
Rheinhessen Germany

A few months ago, while tasting with Savio Soares at the store, Matthew, the owner, and I fell in love for a delicious dry bubbly wine from Germany, more precisely a “Perlwein” (semi-sparkling), made by Schloss Müehlenhof, called “Michel Dass ist Müller-Thurgau”.

Weingut Schloßmühlenhof (Schloss Müehlenhof) is an estate, which now managed about 20 hectares of vineyard planted in the Rheinhessen region of Germany. The winery is located in Kettenheim, a village 3 kilometers south of Azley, a municipality belonging to a Verbandsgemeinde Azley-land, about 80 kilometers southwest of Frankfurt.

The Michel family produces a wide array of wines from various varieties. The varieties range consists of classic traditional varieties, such as Silvaner, Riesling, Weißer und Grauer Burgunder, Chardonnay und Sauvignon Blanc as well as lesser-known varieties such as Rebzüchtungen, Huxelrebe, Ortega, Morio-Muskat, Bacchus and Kernerrebe together. The red spectrum ranges from Portugieser and Dornfelder towards Regent, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and St. Laurent.

Wines are made with the upmost care for the environment, using sustainable natural methods adapted depending to the needs in the vineyards and in the cellar. Quality and consistency confer to their portfolio certain notoriety recognized all around the world. Crisp, vivid and focus, the wines from Schloss Müehlenhof are very good sought after values.

I probably should have written about their Michel Müller-Thurgau earlier in the season, because this wine is really dry and summery. Yet, it’s never too late and after all this wine can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

"Sekt" is the German term for quality sparkling wine. The majority of Sekt produced (around 95%) is made with the Charmat method. The remaining premium Sekt being made according to the “Méthode Traditionnelle”. Cheap sparkling wine usually made with CO2 injection must not be called Sekt, but rather Schaumwein (literally "foam wine" in German). A semi-sparkling wine is called Perlwein.

In fact, at first, I made the mistake of not paying so much attention to the label, only reading the bigger and more obvious letter: “Michel” and “Müller-Thurgau”. I thought that it was a dry still white wine, and it is only when I first tasted it that I realized that this wine had a fizz to it. Agreeably surprised but somewhat startled, I once again read the label. It says:

Michel “Dass ist Müller-Thurgau” “Deutscher Perlwein mit zugesetzter Kohlensäure” Rheinhessen Weingut Schloßmühlenhof – 55234 Kettenheim Bundesrepublik Deutschland Let’s try to disect this label:

"Michel" is the last name of the family which has owned and run the estate for the past 150 years, restructured and increased the vineyard in the 1920s and in 1985, established the name of "Weingut Schloßmühlenhof". Walter Michel and his wife Gabriele are proud to pass on the rein of the estate to their son Nicolas, who in 2007 has successfully completed his studies for viticulture and oenology. He benefited of his training in recent years not only in his parents' estate, but also in other vineyards in Germany and abroad to expand his horizon of experience. Diligently following his father’s steps, he would continue, to actively pursue the winemaking at the estate, combining tradition, natural methods and recent technology to maintain consistency and increase the quality of all of his wines.

“Dass ist Müller-Thurgau” literally means “this is Müller-Thurgau”, in a sense that this wine is a “kick-ass” Müller-Thurgau, and they are right about that, it is really excellent.

“Deutscher Perlwein mit zugesetzter Kohlensäure” literally means “German sparkling wine with added carbon dioxide (CO2)” which is exactly what this wine is: a semi-sparkling wine due to addition of CO2. Only difference with the regular fully sparkling “Sekt” is the method of course but more precisely the amount of CO2 added and therefore the “Bar” pressure that it implies. Perlwein’s pressure is between 1 and 2.5 bars, whereas in Sekt, the pressure is 3 bars or greater. Perlwein without the mention of “mit zugesetzter Kohlensäure” on the label, did not have any CO2 added and possesses bubbles due a secondary fermentation, generally occurring in stainless steel tanks, which has been stopped before the wine attained fully sparkling stage.

It is interesting to notice that German and French use somewhat the same term for a semi sparkling wine: “Perlwein” in German (semi-sparkling wine) and “Un vin perlant” in French, which literally and more metaphorically means a wine with a touch of fizz giving the taster the sensation to have multiple tiny airy pearls dancing with his tongue’s taste buds.

The following label slightly differs from the original, but you get the picture...



2009 Weingut Schloßmühlenhof (Schloss Müehlenhof) “Michel” Dass ist Müller-Thurgau Deutscher Perlwein mit zugesetzter Kohlensäure Rheinhessen Germany
Suggested retail price $11-$14
Imported / Distributed by Savio Soares in NYC

Made with 100% Müller-Thurgau vinified in stainless still tanks, the wine received an addition of CO2 before bottling topping the natural slight effervescence that may occur in young recently bottled white wine (the phenomenon is more current than people think, and people are often surprised when they taste that slight fizzyness in whites that just arrived on the market shortly after they were bottled).

Behind its pale yellow transparent color enlighten with greenish-silver reflects, ultra tiny bubbles may make you think that it is a young wine and that the bubbles will immediately dissolve in contact with oxygen, like for young wine recent bottled; nothing really to indicate that it is a semi-sparkling at this point, except the inaudible “pfffff” when you open the bottle. The nose is dry, clean and fragrant with light citrus and yellow stone fruit aromas combined with floral and mineral notes, and definitely no hints to let you guess that it will be sparkling. The palate is light, crisp enhanced by vivid acidity, with good structure and the same fruit and mineral flavors as in the nose. The expanding palate is quite delightful with refreshing fizzyness, nothing compared to real sparkling wine or Champagne. The finish is definitely super dry and crisp. What a wine under $15! Loved it. Definitely a friendly versatile food wine in my opinion, which will accommodate most dishes prepared with fish and white meat from the appetizers to the cheese.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken and edited from the winery website at www.schlossmuehlenhof.de

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic, Biologique and Organic wines (and spirits and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe! Also follow projects and products from the Fair Trade, an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Also support 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations worldwide.

Escape Winter and the snow with these 4 earthy heartwarming wines

Escape Winter and the snow with these 4 earthy heartwarming wines

2008 D'Aupilhac Lanquedoc VDP Rouge $13.99

The Domaine d'Aupilhac is located in Montpeyroux, a little village some 36 kms north-west of Montpellier which gave its name to the vineyards area. The cellar, created in 1989 in the family home, is right in the heart of the village. Sylvain Fadat and his family have been growing grapes for over 5 generations. Made with 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, 5% Syrah, and 5% Alicante Boucher, from vines planted on arid stony limestone where Grenache and Cinsault thrive, D’Aupilahc Red “Lou Maset” wine was fermented in traditional vats for 10-15 days, then aged for 6 months in cask. It was bottled without filtration.

Montpeyroux usually offers powerful, full-bodied yet balanced and structured wines with ripe fruit and earthy, Terroir oriented attitude, and the 2008 Domaine d’Auphilac "Lou Maset" red is no exception to the rule. Beside its dark, intense ruby color, the nose is fresh, earthy and warm at the same time, with ripe dark fruit mixed with floral and Garrigue scents. The palate is full, generous, with a lot of ripe, dark berry fruit and earthy Terroir components enhanced by a great acidity that makes this wine quite juicy and also an integrated tannic structure nicely framing all the layers and nuances. The finish is dry and slightly tight yet will settle down rapidly with a decantation and a bit of substantial food like grilled red meat, roasted leg of lamb.




2006 Bodegas Adria “The Pilgrimage” Mencia Bierzo Spain $16.99

Bodegas Adria owns vineyards located between the villages of Corullón, Villafranca del Bierzo and Cacabelos, in the foothills of a small mountain range about 25 kilometers west from Ponferrada, planted in a mosaic of complex soils ranging from alluvial clay and stones on the valley floor to granite and schist higher up on the slope. The wine is called “The Pilgrimage” because the vines in this region of Bierzo lie along the holy "Camino de Santiago de Compostela" (the path or “way of St. James of Compostela” in English or “Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle” in French), a town located at the northwestern part of Spain, in Galicia, which has long been a pilgrimage center for many Christians and other pilgrims since the 9th century.

From the acclaimed 2006 vintage, which was great in this particular area, the Pilgrimage Red Bierzo, made with 100% old Mencía grapes, has a quite intense deep purple color with ruby reflects on the rim. The nose is fresh, aromatic with inviting aromas of ripe dark and red cherry, plum, chocolate, and spice, and earthy notes. The palate is dry, intense and juicy, yet medium bodied with soft, gentle red and ark fruits, present yet integrated tannins and an overall texture enhanced and balanced by a great acidity. The lingering finish is structured, soft and food friendly. Pair it with baby lamb and duck. Another interesting example of what the versatile Mencía grape has to offer.




2008 Establecimiento Juanico Estate "Pueblo del Sol" Tannat Juanico Uruguay $10.99

Fairly new, the "Pueblo del Sol" range offers great value, great quality, fun wines produced with their own label yet from "Don Pascual" selection part of the Familia Deicas "Establecimiento Juanico" estate. Pueblo del Sol is a classic entry level wine to introduce you to the excellent quality of wines from Uruguay. "Pueblo del Sol' in Spanish means "Village of the Sun". And the village of Juanico in southern Uruguay, which is the home of the Don Pascual winery, epitomizes this description. Benefiting from the abundant sunshine of the 34th parallel South latitude, this little wine is quite surprising. The unique maritime climate of the Juanico region produces superb fruit. The combination of hand picking and grading with state of the art winemaking equipment produces wonderful wines that represent great value.

Pueblo del Sol Tannat is a nice, easy going, fruit forward, clean wine that wasn't aged in oak. Made from 100% Tannat, the wine was fermented then rested for a short period of time before bottling in stainless steel tanks. Only the very ripest grapes are harvested and fermented at low temperatures so as to emphasize the fresh and fruity varietal aromas. On the nose, it exhibits fresh, earthy aromas of licorice and jammy fruits such as figs and plums. On the Palate, it is forward, very flavorful with smooth fruit, good balance and soft tannins. Overall, it has a rich structure with a long finish. Pair it with roasted or barbecued meat, strong cheese, game, goulash and any other well-flavored dishes.



2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva $10.99

Think about Puglia (or Apulia), southeastern Italy, the heel of the boot. A very warm, dry place with arid soils, long flat plains and a few gentle low rolling hills here and there. Surrounded by the Mediteranean Sea on roughly 3/4 of the all superficie, Apulia is a peaceful place influenced by the Sea, the hot wind from the south, its long history and the intriguing mix of cultures. Cantele is located in Salice Salentino DOC, a wine area located in northern part of the Lecce province which represents the most southern part of Puglia, the tip of the heel. Salice Salentino is a region that encompasses vineyards, olive trees surrounding scattered farms and a few old watchtowers (some from the medieval time). The main grape varieties are Negro Amaro for red and rose wines, and Malvaisia for the whites.

2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva is roughly a blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, from vineyards located next the village of Guagnano. After de-stemming, crushing, maceration of 6-7 days and fermentation, the wine was transferred to barriques where it matured for at least six months, before bottling.The robe is quite intense, dark ruby red. The expressive nose exposes earthy aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and cigar box, woody notes. In the mouth, it is fruity, quite full yet balanced by the tannins and great acidity to keep it fresh, almost crisp, with ripe red and dark fruit. Smooth and rounded in the finish, with gentle vanilla oaky notes, it is pretty easy going and perfect for simple dish and picnic. Serve it with pasta and meat sauce, red meats including lamb. Ideal with cheese.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Prices reflect those in the store at www.Heightschateau.com

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic and Organic wine (and food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment! Support the right causes for the Planet and all the people suffering all around the globe!

Some of my favorite wines of the monent

Here is a short list of some of the wines that I really enjoy at the moment and that you can find at the store (www.HeightsChateau.com)

France

2007 Pas De L'Escalette Les Clapas Rouge Languedoc France $22.99
"Fine, elegant, focus, nice ripe fruit yet not opulent, good tannic structure & length"

2006 Paveil de Luze Margaux Brodeaux France $29.99
"Great Margaux, soft, balanced, refined, nice tannin frame and good acidity"

2006 Bernard Ange Crozes-Hermitage Rhone France $20.99
"Fresh syrah based wine, high acidity, spice, juicy fruit, lovely"

2005 Mas des Collines Gigondas Rhone France$20.99
"Almost like a baby Chateauneuf du Pape for half the price"

2005 Calvet-Thunevin Cuvee Constance VDP Cotes Catalanes Roussillon France $17.99
"Mostly Carignan and Grenache, strong, full, spice, touch of alcohol, yet integrated"

2007 Agapé Pinot Blanc Alsce France $14.99
"fresh, crisp. balanced, mineral, racy, cleansing"

2005 Ardhuy Clos Langres Cotes de Nuits Villages rouge Burgundy $45.99
"light, earthy, terroir driven, focus, bright and elegant"

2008 Berlioz Chignin White Savoie $17.99
"slightly nutty, apricot skin, good balance and acidity"

2006 Bornard "La Chamade" Ploussard Jura France $27.99
"a fascinating wine from the color to the finish, esoteric, high acidity, nutty, animal"

2007 Carre Du Prieur Cote Roannaise Gamay Loire France $13.99
"slightly fuller than a Beaujolais, a bit rustic yet quite juicy and entertaining"

2008 Carrel Jongieux Savoie France $11.99
"clean, fresh, mineral, racy, balanced, simple yet attractive"

2007 Cellier Palais Mondeuse VDP Allobrogie $19.99
"earthy, smoky, esoteric, animal, bright red cherry, high acidity"

2007 Chamonard 07 Morgon "Le Clos De Lys" Beaujolais $25.99
"a great Morgon, bit rustic but plenty of fruit and nuances"

2007 Champalou Vouvray Off Dry Loire France $18.99
"nicely balance and attractive mouthfeel, lovely"

2005 Chave Saint Joseph "Offerus" $28.99
"a classic Chave with good fruit and length, terroir oriented, focus"

2007 Comptoirs Magdala L'Amourvedre Languedoc $22.99
"organic, rustic, esoteric but so juicy and interesting, light, spice"

2006 Monpertuis VDP du Gard Cuvee Counoise Rhone $11.99
"good tannins, food friendly, bistro-ish, nice features"

2006 Ollieux Romanis Cuvee Alice Corbieres Languedoc $10.99
"nice, simple yet interesting and easy going, good fruit and earthiness"

2008 Sentinelle De Massiac Minervois Red Languedoc $10.99
"earthy, bistro-ish, food freindly, good structure, terroir oriented"

2006 Mas Daumas Gassac Rouge Languedoc $44.99
"always an intriguing yet well crafted wine"

USA

2006 Grand Traverse Gamay Noir Michigan USA $18.99
" juicy, super friendly, red fruit and berry, enjoyable and quite surprising"

2007 Neyers Chardonnay Napa Valley $29.99
"a classic organic chardonnay, very good acidity, fresh, burgundian, lovely"

2005 Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $47.99
"organic, earthy, terroir oriented, balanced, not too heavy, appealing"

2005 Keenan Mernet Proprietary Blend Napa Valley $94.99
"wow, what a wine, a stylish cab-merlot with guts and spice, yet harmonious"

2006 Ex Libris Cabernet Sauvignon Washington $19.99
"balanced, well crafted, friendly and consistent"

2008 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay California $21.99
"always a standard for Chardonnay and Pinot (IMO)

2007 Brewer Clifton Pinot Noir Santa Rita $42.99
" a classic Pinot Noir, Burgundian, earthy, lovely"

2007 Clos Julien Pinot Noir Oregon $18.99
"earthy, terroir oriented, expressive and balanced"

Spain

2004 Marques de Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain $22.99
"opulent, oaky, young, earthy, balanced and attractive"

1996 Marques Vitoria Gran Reserva Rioja Spain $28.99
"a classic Rioja, tertiary aromas and flavors, integrated, tamed, and juicy"

2004 Allende Rioja Spain $27.99
"quite big and oaky, very opulent with good ageing potential"

2007/08 Ameztoi Txakolina Basque Spain $22.99
"bright, clean, pearling, mineral, refreshing, cleansing"

2008 Camino De Navaherreros Garnacha $13.99
"big Garnacha yet high acidity, spice and rustic, intriguing"

2001 Cune Vina Real Reserva Rioja Spain $26.99
"balanced, classic, integrated, pleasing, good fruit mixed oak notes"

2005 Escoda Les Paradetes Conca De Barbera $29.99
"focus, rustic, esoteric, very good fruit, dry, good structure"

2004 Rincon Navas Rioja Crianza $18.99
"again quite classic from a great vintage"

2005 Martinet Bru Priorat Red $39.99
"superb balance and length, very good density and structure"

Italy

2000 Calabretta Etna Rosso DOC $25.99
"intriguing, esoteric, juicy, mineral, full of nuances"


I could continue for much longer because there are so many wines that I like, but the list will be endless. However, this is a start. Let me know what you think about it. There are also quite a few Italian that I love. I will put them on a next list.

Prices correspond to the shelf prices that we have in the store and on the website, before Tax and discount (17% on a full case of 12 bottles of the same wine; 15% on a case of 12 bottles of mixed wines).

We have longer descriptions at the store website at www.HeightsChateau.com, and you can also find some on my blog (www.LeDomduVin.com).

Enjoy!

LeDom Du Vin

Step into the Green! Drink more Biodynamic and Organic wines (and food) from sustainable cultures and respect the environment!

My favorite under $12 reds of the moment

My favorite under $12 reds of the moment

Although, as a Wine Buyer, I always need to keep an extremely open mind and a consistent yet very eclectic palate toward the wines that I try, taste and more especially buy (ranging from the driest, acidic or tannic, most esoteric to the fuller, often way too ripe - for my taste - and alcoholic style of wine), I recognize that, like anybody else, I also have my favorite wines that correspond a bit more to my true palate and that I rather drink at home. In most cases, I like to be surprised, intrigued, pleased and even fascinated by the wines that I will buy and put on the shelves, and I like my customers to experience the same thing when they will try it.

You see, I love my job (not everybody can say that... isn't it?), and what makes it even more interesting and kept me going to work in the wine-business as a Wine Buyer - Sommelier and Wine Director for the last 18 years, is the fact that I have to understand, comprehend, learn about, dissect and analyze each wine that I taste everyday, not only to keep my palate sharp, trained and skilled, but also to be able to always provide, everyday, the best, most interesting and most eclectic choice of wines from all around the world to my customers.

And that's what I try do everyday at the store: please and satisfy the interest and the curiosity of my customers by sharing my knowledge with them, offering great service by trying to understand their palate, what they would like to drink and more especially respect their budget, but also trigger their interest by always trying to recommend them different wines from various countries to extend their experience.

There is nothing worst than to go shopping in a wine store where the staff has no knowledge, no passion and no conviction, and thus where the wines are boring and have the same type of taste profile due to a narrow minded wine buyer behind the wine selection on the shelves.

What I love the most and what usually pleases most of my customers, is that I usually do a good job in general by recommending the most appropriate wines (despite a few exceptions from time to time, nobody's perfect...), but my forté is the wines under $20 and more especially the wines under $15. As I always say: "I'm the King of under $15", and that for 2 reasons, first because I rather (and it is much more fun) sell 12 different bottles at $10 than 1 bottle at $120, and second, because (like most of my customers) these under $15 wines are the ones that I drink at home with friends and family, thus that I know the best and that I can more easily recommend with even more conviction and excitement.

The next 4 wines are part of these little gems that I had a lot of pleasure to suggest lately to my customers. I hope that if you'll try them and you'll agree with my choices. These are some of my favorites of the moment.

Enjoy them young, as an aperitif with hors d'oeuvres, but also with more sophisticated Fall-Winter dinner stews like: "Ragoût" (any stew), "Daube" (usually prepared with beef braised in red wine vegetables, garlic and herbes de Provence), a "Blanquette de Veau" (prepared with veal in a white sauce, but also be made with Lamb, Chicken or Rabbit) or even with a "gibier" (Game).

-----------------------------------------------------------

2008 Henry Fessy "Château des Reyssiers" Regnié Crus de Beaujolais Burgundy France
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported by Louis Latour / Distributed by Mr. Touton Selections

Domaine of Henry Fessy produces wines for generations in the village of Saint-Jean-d'Ardières, located in the southern part of the Beaujolais region, east of Brouilly and west of Belleville (south of Macon and north of Lyon).

The ancestors of Serge and Henry Fessy, the Pellissier family, began to buy, grow and sell wines in 1888. Then, they bought a wine estate in the heart of Beaujolais ("Le Paradis") in Brouilly. After the first World War, Henry Fessy, the son in law of Jean Pellissier, became the successor and started to run the estate which now bears his name. It was a very distinguished man that inspired respect. He created the co-operative cellar of Bel-Air in 1928, and remained its President for more than 40 years.

In 1947, his son Georges took over the family estate and continued with dedication the work of his father helped by the rest of the family. Nowadays, the Domaine is run by Henry (named after is grand-father) and Serge Fessy, his little brother, who carefully take care of the 11 hectares of vines planted mainly in Brouilly and Beaujolais AOC, but also carefully select the grapes and wines that they will vinify, age, bottle and sell under their Négociant label. They also take care of the wines of different growers.

Today, including the resulting wines from their vines and the wines that they bought and vinified, they produce more than 2 millions bottles from a state of the art cellar facility which allow them to proudly insure the quality and the consistency of their wines. They are probably the only Négociant company in Beaujolais which completely vinify their own wines.

Domaine Henri Fessy produces quite a few wines from all the appellations of Beaujolais, the 2 generic and the 10 Crus: Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages, Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Régnié, Morgon, Chiroubles, Juliénas, Chenas, Fleurie, St. Amour and Moulin à Vent.

Régnié was the most recently recognized cru of Beaujolais in 1988. Despite its resemblance with its nearby siblings Brouilly and Morgon, Régnié possesses it sown typicality which defines its personality.

2008 Henry Fessy "Château des Reyssiers" Regnié is a charming, easy going, light Gamay wine. The robe is light, bright ruby red. Developed aromas of red berries, like red currant and raspberry, with subtle floral perfume constitute the nose. In the palate, the attack is quite juicy and fruity, expanding nicely in a structured, elegant and supple mid-palate. The acidity carries the red fruit flavors with focus toward the lingering, fresh and dry finish. Quite well rounded without excessive tannins, this wine is well made, simple yet refined and charming, somewhat feminine and refreshing with a twist of earthiness. Enjoy it warm temperature with white meat and poultry, or even slightly chilled with fish or cheese.

Enjoy!

Info taken partly from the winery website at: www.vins-henry-fessy.com

LeDom du Vin

----------------------------------------------------

2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva Apulia Southeastern Italy
Suggested retail price $9-$11
Imported / Distributed by Vias Imports in NYC

2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva is roughly a blend of 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera, from vineyards located next the village of Guagnano. After de-stemming, crushing, maceration of 6-7 days and fermentation, this Riserva wine aged in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 3 years with selected lots being transferred to French and American "barriques" (barrels) where they matured for at least six months to add more dimension and structure, before bottling.

The robe is quite intense, dark ruby red. The expressive nose exposes earthy aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and cigar box, woody notes. In the mouth, it is fruity, dry and earthy, quite full yet balanced by the tannins and great acidity to keep it fresh, almost crisp, with ripe red and dark fruit and hints of spices. Smooth and rounded in the finish, with gentle vanilla oaky notes, it is pretty easy going and perfect for simple dish and picnic, yet it structure and texture can definitely complement heavier and earthier "wintery" dishes, like roasted or braised beef or lamb. Perfectly fine with pasta and meat sauce. Ideal with medium to hard cheese.

Enjoy!

Also read my previous post on the 2004 vintage at www.LeDomduVin.com and you will find even more info on the winery website at www.cantele.it and on the distributor website at www.viaswine.com

LeDom du Vin

--------------------------------------------------

2007 Domaine de Fenouillet Côtes du Ventoux Rhône Valley France
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported / Distributed by MadRose / Rosenthal in NYC

The Domaine de Fenouillet is situated in the village of Beaumes de Venise at the foot of the "Dentelles de Montmirail", the heart of the finest vineyard sites in the southern Côtes du Rhône. The Domaine has been in the hands of the Soard Family for many generations, until 1989 the grapes were harvested and immediately sold to the growers' cooperative. Vincent and Patrick Soard took over direction of the domaine in 1989 and, at that point, began to vinify their harvest and bottle the wines now made at the estate.

The Domaine: There are 16 hectares planted to grapes: 5.3 hectares devoted to Muscat to make the fabled Muscat de Beaumes de Venise; 7.7 hectares planted in the appellation of Cotes du Rhone Villages "Beaumes de Venise"; and 3 hectares within the Cotes du Ventoux appellation. Average production levels are 34 hectoliters per hectare yielding approximately 5,000 cases of wine per year.

The vineyards for the Beaumes de Venise Rouge are situated at an altitude of 350 meters and rest in soil composed of clay and chalk. The grape combination for the principal reds is: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% old vines Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault.

Vinification: The entire harvest is done manually. The Muscat for the Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is picked at optimum levels of maturity to achieve maximum sugar concentration. Several passes through the vineyards and a severe selection of the individual clusters is done prior to fermentation. Crushing is done with a modern pneumatic press to extract the finest juice which is then fermented under temperature-controlled conditions for about 15 days. The fermentation is then stopped to leave the wine with residual natural sugar. The Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is normally bottled in the spring of the year following harvest. For the Beaumes de Venise Rouge and the Cotes du Ventoux, the varietals are harvested and vinified separately and then blended to create the final cuvees. The Cotes du Ventoux is vinified with the objective of making a fresh, fruity wine for current consumption. The Beaumes de Venise Rouge, with its component of old vines and concentration of Grenache, is solidly built, deeply colored and quite age worthy. There is an extended cuvaison to achieve maximum extract; the wines are aged in both "cuve" and barrel; and the bottling is done normally after two years of aging without being filtered. Beginning in 1995, the Soards have bottled a special cuvee of Beaumes de Venise Rouge known as "Cuvee Yvon Soard", in honor of their father. This extremely limited production wine is exclusively from old vines and provides an additional level of complexity and intensity.

2007 Domaine de Fenouillet Côtes du Ventoux Rhône Valley is a lovely, dry, bistro-ish red from the south of the Rhône Valley. Made of approximately 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Carignan, the robe offers a medium to dark color in the glass, with good intensity. Soft, ripe red and dark berry aromas intermingled with earth, mineral and wild bush scent. The palate is softly textured, dry yet ample with generous dark, ripe fruit due to the Grenache and earthy notes. The finish also is earthy with some, fairly integrated yet a touch dry, tannins. Overall, here again, a well made wine with interesting features, good acidity and fruit, in a very versatile way. Appealing and bistro-ish, a quaffer for everyday, easy drinking with a bite of something, like: charcuterie, cold cut, cheese, grilled meat, chicken, etc...

Enjoy!

Info mostly taken from the Importer / Distributor website at www.madrose.com

LeDom du Vin

---------------------------------------------------------

2008 Château de Massiac Cuvée "Sentinelle de Massiac" (2nd wine) Minervois Languedoc France
Suggested retail price $9-$12
Imported / Distributed by Madrose / Rosenthal

France and Bernard Boudouresques own the Château de Massiac, located in Azille, a small village in the heart of the Minervois appellation south of one of the best Minervois' vineyards "La Liviniere"(also an appellation on its own since 1999), on the road between Carcassonne and Narbonne (Aude, western Languedoc, France).

Sentinelle, being the second wine of Château Massiac, is a blend of younger vines 50% Syrah and 50% Carignan, compared to the first wine which is normally older vines 75% Syrah and 25% Carignan, planted on rocky clay-limestone soils.

Here again a very bistro-ish wine, well balanced and easy going little red wine, with a soft, versatile and food friendly profile (everything that I love and that I'm looking for when I buy and drink a wine, somewhat my specialty... finding these little everyday gems: great wines at very affordable prices! I definitely love my job).

In the glass, it is dark in color and quite intense. The nose is clean, fresh yet ripe and gentle with dark fruit and blackcurrant aromas. The palate is very friendly, supple with nice ripe dark berry flavors mixed with earth and garrigues notes. Tannins are present yet integrated and the earthy finish is quite inviting. A really enjoyable sipper red for a very decent price, to appreciate all day long with cold cut, charcuterie, steak frites and other bistro food and easy going red meat dishes. Love it.

Enjoy!

I couldn't find much info about the winery and the importer Madrose/Rosenthal doesn't have any info on their website. However, here is their contact info: Massiac, Chateau de Massiac (alo under Domaine de Massiac) 11700 Azille - Tel: 04.68.91.49.92 (I like the wine so much, I will surely give them a phone call soon to ask for more info, may be I will write a post about it).

LeDom du Vin