As the saying for March goes…in like a lion, out like a lamb
We have some wines recommendations here that will take the chill off of an icier March evening and also some wines that are light, crisp, and perfect for drinking on those first warm days of spring when we’re just starting to enjoy sitting on our porches comfortably again. Don’t forget St. Patrick’s Day is this Thursday and we have lots of fun beers with which to offer a toast.
Also, we’re trying something new — an online wine order form. Fill it out if you specific request and we’re happy to pull it together for you, or if you’d like us to make a recommendation this is also a place where you can let us know the particulars (how many bottles, grape preference, price range, meal pairing, etc) and we’ll pull something together and have it ready for you to pick up at your convenience.
LIONS —
Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2019 (Bierzo, Spain) | $22.99
While this may be a young bottle of Mencía, the vines these grapes are grown on range from 40-90 years old! The winemaker Álvaro Palacios (working with his nephew Ricardo on this project) comes from a famous winemaking family in Rioja, and he’s at the forefront of modern Spanish winemaking. This wine, as the name suggests, has a beautiful floral and aromatic bouquet and an almost pomegranate-like dark fruit taste. Tannins are there, but just to add to the complexity and backbone of the wine, not overpower. This wine would be delicious with a peppery steak or mushroom risotto.
Trefethen Eshcol Red Blend 2019 (Napa, California, USA) | $24.99
Eshcol is their second label and a nod to the original name of the Oak Knoll Trefethen Estate and is also their most sustainable bottle of wine to date. It carries the highest distinction of Napa green certification, and they try to use recycled packaging whenever possible (the label is printed on recycled paper). Even the artwork on the label tells a story through symbols of their values: family, respect, authenticity, sustainability, joy, and learning. The wine is a blend mainly comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, followed by Petit Verdot and Malbec, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. This is a very food-friendly wine, ready to be opened and enjoyed right away. There are bright, red fruits on the nose, and a hint of mint and black pepper, with a balance of acidity and smooth finish.
LAMBS —
Koehler–Ruprecht Kabinett Trocken Pinot Blanc 2019 (Pfalz, Germany) | $22.99
This is a historic estate that is known for making classic dry German wines. Their very large, cold cellar allows fermentation to occur over a longer period of time under spontaneous fermentation of their own yeasts. This winery has been practicing natural winemaking way before it was considered cool to do so! This Pinot Blanc is so pretty and creamy, with a welcome minerality, too. White flowers, melon, stone, and apricot on tasting with a long finish.
Pikasi Pinela 2020 (Vipava Valley, Slovenia) | $15.99
Slovenia is a small country with many microclimates and there are some very exciting wines at affordable prices to be found there. Pinela is a rare local grape and this Pikasi winery is only growing 50 hectares of it. We’re so lucky to have this on our shelves! It’s a natural wine made with native yeasts, hand-harvested, and sustainably farmed. This wine is so fresh and citrusy with a savory salty texture, We’re enjoying it now, and we can’t wait to make this a prominent fixture in our summer wine line-up. And because we’re a sucker for naming stories, the winemaker is also a professional ballroom dancer and the name Pikasi is an ode to dancing – which really captures the essence and energy of this wine!
La Petit Marquie Crémant de Loire Brut NV (Loire Valley, France) | $21.99
A lively crémant at an excellent price. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. This winery works as a part of a co-op so they’re buying grapes from big, famous sellers who are very good at what they do, but because they’re a small house it comes to us at a nice price! Crisp, a lot of fine bubbles, with hints of apples and stone fruit. Bring a bottle or two to a spring celebration.