We fell in love with wine all over again at our February monthly wine tasting on Thursday, February 13 with Alison Cheevers from M. S. Walker. Jim Laughren, author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More: Adventures in Wine Appreciation” was also in the kitchen signing his most recent book.
Beyra Vinhos de Altitude Branco 2018 (Beira, Portugal)
This is a blend of 50% Siria and 50% Fonte Cal grown in the granite, schist, and quartz soils of Beira at over 2,000 feet elevation. Whole cluster pressed and fermented on native yeasts, the wine spends four months in stainless steel before bottling. A delicious aperitif wine, the focus here is on citrus and floral notes with hints of nettle and framed by crisp, bright acidity. Regular Price $10.99 / Tasting Price $8.99
Wildsong Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
The name “Wildsong” refers to the practice of growing wildflowers between the vines in order to encourage biodiversity, which in turn promotes the health of the vines. This Sauv Blanc from Hawke’s bay offers nectarine, grapefruit, and cantaloupe on an intense palate, with nuances of lime zest adding freshness to the finish. Regular Price $14.99 / Tasting Price $12.99
Empire Estate Riesling 2017 (Finger Lakes, New York)
Silver-gold in color, on the nose there are intense mineral aromas of shale, gravel and limestone, combined with notes of white flower, golden apple, peach and lemon oil. A focused burst of acidity hits the palate, followed by flavors of fresh apricot, lime and grapefruit pith, all leading to a weighty, savory mineral finish. A long, cool growing season was crowned with two months of sun, making 2017 a vintage to remember. Regular Price $20.99 / Tasting Price $18.99
Paddy Borthwick Paper Road Pinot Noir 2016 (Wairarapa, New Zealand)
Made from grapes grown in three vineyard sites in the southern part of the north island, this Pinot Noir offers up ripe and tart cherries, with smoky nuances and zesty spice on the finish. After fermentation with native yeasts and manual punch-downs, the wine spent 8 months in French oak, 15% of which was new. The long, dry growing season in 2016 allowed the grapes to reach full ripeness, producing highly aromatic fruit. Regular Price $22.99 / Tasting Price $19.99
Valravn Old Vine Zinfandel 2017 (Sonoma, California)
Sourced from 50 to 100 year old vines across several top Zinfandel AVAs in Sonoma, including Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valley, this wine spends 9 months in French oak, only 10% of which is new, in order to complete malolactic fermentation. Dark and expressive black cherry and blackberry on the nose are followed by blueberries and cassis on the palate, accented by classic brambly notes and underlined by subtle white pepper. Regular Price $19.99 / Tasting Price $17.99
Rio Madre Rioja 2017 (Rioja, Spain)
This unusual Rioja is made entirely from the Graciano grape, a varietal typically used in small amounts to add complexity to more traditional Riojas. The slow-ripening grape thrives in the hotter microclimate of Rioja Baja, where it is hand-harvested and sorted before fermentation on native yeasts. It spends six months in first through third use Burgundy and Bordeaux barrels. Dark in color, the wine displays an intense and unique array of wild fruit flavors and firm tannic structure. Regular Price $13.99 / Tasting Price $11.99
Join us for our next monthly wine tasting on Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 5-7pm. Also, save the date for March 19, 2020 for a Special Vermouth Tasting from 5-7pm. Both of these events are free to attend. Must be 21+.
Prices subject to change after this posting. Wines are specially priced the night of a wine tasting.