Here at Now You’re Cooking, we don’t just limit ourselves to wines that are currently available in the state. We actively work with our vendors to search out and bring in wines of distinction from around the world in order to offer you the richest possible selection of fine wine in the Midcoast. This often includes rare, unique, and collectible wines from special corners of the wine world, as well as highly rated wines that just haven’t made it up to Maine yet. Check out these recent arrivals, some of which are only available here at Now You’re Cooking!
Champagne Jose Michel & Fils Brut Tradition $42.99
Fifth generation winemaker Jose Michel is one of the founding members of the “Tresors du Champage,” a group of grower-producers also known as the “Special Club.” He farms a small, 11 hectare parcel in the village of Moussy in the Cotes d’Epernay. This non-vintage Brut is a blend of 70% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay aged in old oak casks and enameled steel tanks, which is then blended with reserve wines that are four or five years old before spending a minimum of two years on the lees during the second fermentation. The high percentage of Meunier, the addition of older reserve wine, extended tirage, and a dosage of 9 grams per liter produces a wine that is round and generous, with ripe yellow apple and brioche, a supple texture, and a fine mousse. A fantastic value in grower Champagne, this will continue to gain depth with further time on the cork.
Jurtschitsch Mon Blanc 2018 $25.99
The latest edition from the Jurtschitsch “Discoveries from the winery” series is a thrilling blend of Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc, and Gelber Muskateller that is co-fermented and left on the skins for two weeks in a large wooden fermenter. The free-run juice is then matured in large, neutral oak casks until spring, when it is bottled without any filtration. The cloudiness of the wine heralds perfectly the deliciously complex mineral textures presented to the palate, which explodes with mixed citrus peels, white flowers, green peppercorns, and fresh parsley. Enchanting and unique from the nose to the lengthy finish, this is what a friend of mine calls “brunch wine!” Each edition of “Discoveries from the winery” is a very small batch and is sourced from an estate vineyard that has been fully converted to biodynamic farming practices.
Birgit Eichinger Ried Gaisberg Riesling 2017 $32.99
Birgit Eichinger started with just a few choice hectares of vines in 1992, which she has since expanded to 15 hectares, including parcels in the most universally lauded crus of Austria’s Kamptal wine region. Gaisberg is one of these, and its gneiss and mica soils and southerly exposure make it perfect for Riesling. Eichinger farms just 1.5 hectares of this famous Cru, and the grapes are whole-cluster pressed and aged four months on the lees before racking. Peach pit, ripe citrus, and marzipan on the nose are echoed on the palate, which is full and lengthy. The 2017 Ried Gaisberg Riesling was crowned the International Wine Challenge Champion White Wine.
Flotsam & Jetsam Stalwart Cinsault 2017 $20.99
This 100% Cinsault from the Western Cape in South Africa is sourced from dry-farmed bush vines, whole-cluster pressed, and raised in a mix of neutral oak and stainless steel tanks. Fun, unique, and eminently drinkable, the bouquet of fresh red raspberries and strawberries is followed by a light-bodied but flavorful palate suffused with delightful earth and spice notes. Deceptively light in color, it has just enough tannic grip and balancing acid to accompany Mediterranean cuisine, like kabobs, falafel, or shawarma, but it’s also light enough to make a creative pairing for salmon or tuna.
Pierre-Marie Chermette Saint Amour ‘Les Champs-Grilles’ 2018 $29.99
Pierre-Marie Chermette is a 5th generation winemaker with holdings in several top Crus of Beaujolais. Tenaciously traditional, he ferments with whole-clusters and uses only native yeasts, so the must actually undergoes semi-carbonic maceration. The wine is matured in foudres and bottled without any filtration and minimal to no sulfur additions. The Saint Amour is an imposing wine for the appellation, with layers of frim, earthy mineral, ripe and vivid red berry fruits, and finely textured spice and tannin outlines. Cru Beaujolais like this will age on par with 1er Cru Burgundy, but they improve rapidly even in the first two or three years and, unlike Burgundy, do not go through any mute phase. So while eminently drinkable upon release, it will only improve with a modicum of time.
Chateau Grange Cochard Morgon Cote du Py 2018 $30.99
Most of the estate-owned vines of Chateau Grange Cochard, in the village of Morgon, are more than 50 years old. Undergrowth is encouraged, since they do not use herbicides, and no artificial irrigation is used on the estate. Their top parcel is in fact at the very top of the illustrious Cote du Py, arguably one of the best climats in all of Beaujolais. Here the grapes produce wines with concentrated red fruits, silky textured red raspberry and strawberry on a palate that is at once lush and weightless, and pervaded with the signature granite minerality of this site. The estate has been producing wine since the middle of the 18th century, but in 2008 it was purchased by Sarah and James Wilding, who have been working diligently to maximize the great potential of this superior property.
Fatalone Gioia del Colle Primitivo 2017 $23.99
The 8-hectare vineyard where this Primitivo is grown is certified organic, but biodynamic in practice, with spontaneous grass growth and only indigenous yeast fermentations – in fact, the maturation in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks is accompanied by calming music! The vines were planted in 1990, and the depth of this terroir is brilliantly expressed in this fragrant, dark, and attention-grabbing Primitivo. Black cherries and blackberries play off spiced plum and balsamic notes on a palate that is impressive but not over-saturated. Extremely well-balanced and focused, the finish is lingering and complex, with hints of bitter almond accentuating the brilliant fruit and earthy textures.
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MARCH WINE TASTINGS
Monthly Tasting: Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 5–7pm
Our monthly wine tastings take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month and they are free, informal, and open to the public. Wines are specially priced the night of the tasting. We provide light appetizers. Must be 21+ years old to attend.
Special Wine Tasting—Vermouth: Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 5–7pm
When at it’s best it’s way more than just an ingredient to be used in cocktails, it’s a drink in and of itself. Curious to learn more or already in love with this aromatic European wine? Then join us at this FREE tasting event. Must be 21+ years old to attend.
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Save the Date
SPECIAL WINE TASTING—PREMIUM WINES OF ITALY
Friday, April 3, 2020 from 5–7pm
Fresh pasta, gelato, and fashion—what else comes to mind when you think of Italy? Delicious wine! This special event will feature ten wines with Scott Hudson from Winebow not usually available at our tasting events. Don’t miss this once-in-a-twenty-year event!