If you’re feeling shocked that it’s the middle of October, you’re not alone. With the days getting increasingly shorter we’re reaching for more medium to full-bodied reds to accompany heartier fall meals, but with the sprinkling of warmer days Mother Nature has thrown in we’re still holding onto rosé season and enjoying crisp chilled whites. That’s the joy of fall in Maine (and any season in this state, really!) — the unpredictability of it all. There are a few offerings below that we’ve been enjoying this month and wanted to bring to your attention. As always, give us a call at 207-443-1402 or email info@acooksemporium.com with any questions.
Cheers!
If you’re not ready for rosé season to end try:
Dinamo Elettriko Pét-Nat 2019 (Colle Castelluccio, Italy) | $15.99
Until recently, the Nofrio family had been growing grapes and selling them to others to use for their winemaking, but with the price of bulk grapes being so low they decided to embark on their own winemaking adventure. They work with Danilo Marcucci to produce Dinamo wines which are named after Antonio Pacinotti, an Italian physicist who invented the dynamo, a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy (pure energy). And energetic is a perfect descriptor for this naturally sparkling wine! It’s Gamay and Sangiovese with raspberry, cherry, but with a touch of yeast and earthiness that we want to see in a Pét-Nat.
If you’re looking for the perfect white to accompany the change in seasons try:
John Duval Plexus (Barossa, Australia) | $27.99
An Australian blend from one of the region’s most famous winemakers, John Duval. This blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier is creamy, with stone fruit, but is strengthened by beeswax and balanced acidity. Aged 40% in French oak (15% new) for 6 months. This would pair nicely with a lemon roast chicken.
If you’re looking for a daily drinker at an affordable price:
Oppenauer Zweigelt (Weinviertel, Austria) | $14.99
This medium-bodied organic red from Austria is dry, with cherry and ripe strawberry. It’s a fantastic value as it’s packaged in a litre! Zweigelt is often served with a light chill and the acidity of this wine makes it cut through the richness of bbq, but it’s light enough to even be paired with fish.
If roast pork loin is on the menu try:
Terre Rouge “Les Cotes de l’Ouest” Syrah 2015 (Shenandoah Valley, California) | $22.99
Bill Easton is considered a pioneer in bringing Côtes du Rhône style winemaking to California. He is one of the original Rhône Rangers and pioneered the Rhône varietals in the Sierra Foothills. Together with Jane O’Riordan, they make Rhône varietals by growing grapes with sustainable methods. This Syrah is so smooth it could be considered silky, with raspberry, pepper, and a fine herbaceousness.
If you’re ready for full-bodied reds and getting cozy:
Moccagatta Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) | $49.99
Run by the Minuto Family since the late 1800s, they are careful stewards of their land by practicing organic farming and participating in the European Union’s low environmental impact regulations. This Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months with further bottle aging for at least 9 months. There’s plenty of ripe fruit, but also notes of licorice and mint. Drinks well now, but with even some more bottle age will be truly remarkable.
Crisp Fall Ciders from the UK
The folks at Aspall Cider have been crafting cider in Suffolk, England (a tiny hamlet north of Debenham to be exact) since 1728 when Clement Chevallier planted the first large-scale cider orchards in the area. 300 years later and they’re still using many of the same processes, but with some help from more modern technology (such as stainless steel vats — just like winemakers) have been able to better control the end product. They add Champagne yeast to all of their fermentations to efficiently ferment sugar to alcohol and ensure all the natural aroma and flavor of the apple shines through.
Aspall | Dry Cider | $6.99/bottle
This cider combines our favorite elements of European cider making. It has the dry tannic nature of English ciders mixed with the slight yeasty carbonation of those crafted in Normandy. A great value for how much flavor this bottle delivers.
Aspall | Grand Cru Cider | $6.99/bottle
Golden and rich in color, with a long finish for this dry, slightly sparkling English cider.
Aspall | Blush Cider | $6.99/bottle
For someone who loves the farmhouse-style ciders, but wants something with a little more fruit forward sweetness. Nicely balanced with acidity and notes of blackberry.
Ready for some fall [leaf] peeping and Maine Beer Co. [drinking]
Fall Stout | Maine Beer Company | $6.49/bottle
Seasonal coffee stout with dark chocolate and molasses. A beer that invokes cozy flannel, apple picking, and drinking by the fire.
Peeper Pale Ale | Maine Beer Company | $5.49/bottle
Maine Beer Company’s flagship beer. Fresh cut grass and citrus. Enjoy all year round.
Prices subject to change after this posting.