Wine of the Day: Tissot Arbois Rouge DD 2014 6-17-16

Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Rouge DD, Jura 2014 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

Tissot is a postcard-perfect producer for the Jura and the DD rouge is as lovely an introduction to Jura reds as there ever was. A three-pronged blend of Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot, it’s a parade of bright fruits with little tropical phrases and a clean, floral finish. Between the sometimes-shy varietals and no sulfur being added, give it a little chill and let it open up a while. A great palate-refresher and an ideal wine for potlucks or to pair with stubborn dishes. – Tyler

Wine Advocate 91 points “The first red was the 2014 Arbois Rouge DD, produced with one third each of the red grapes form Jura, Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir; it’s his light red wine with no sulfur.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Thibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011 6-16-16

Thibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2011 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $20.90 special

Sometimes a hit of Burgundy is in order, a reconnection with those illustrious, puzzling, sumptuous whites and reds. But sometimes, too, price becomes an issue. Which is when the thirsty savant of Burgundy seeks out regional Bourgogne from a fine producer such as Thibault Liger-Belair. His négociant side business, Thibault Liger-Belair Successeurs, purchases wines and raises them in barrel, with very satisfying results.

The 2011 Bourgogne Rouge opens with a ripe Côte de Nuits bouquet of dark fruit, earth, and violet. Deeply colored, it carries some weight on the palate, backed by nice acidity. But this wine, as with the 2011 vintage, is more about perfume than power.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Three Friulian Whites from I Clivi 6-15-16

I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso ‘San Pietro’ Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2014 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso Ribolla Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2014 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso RBL Brut Spumante, Friuli-Venezia Giulia NV 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

Fruili Colli Orientali, old vines, organic viticulture, small producer, no malo or oak: Italian white wine in its pure nature, like Boticelli’s Birth of Venus. Ferdinando Zanusso has been making his I Clivi wines for some 25 years now, with devotion to the land, the Friulano and Ribolla grapes, and the traditions of Friuli. The results resonate with character, elegance, and precision. My one-word description of these wines: lithe.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Aubry Premier Cru Brut Champagne NV 6-14-16

Aubry Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special

The Aubry line of winegrowers dates back to the late 18^th century, to when France still had a king. As a nod of respect to their forefathers, though probably not to the royals, the modern-day Aubry brothers, Pierre and Philippe, set out to revive a few ancient Champagne grapes. In 1989, they took cuttings from a few remaining vines, and planted some Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Fromenteau, and Enfumé. Vive la tradition!

These rare varieties compose only 5% of Aubry’s Brut Premier Cru Champagne, but it’s the thought that counts. The rest of the blend includes 45% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Chardonnay. Such a dominance of red grapes gives this Champagne a bold mouth feel, with plenty of backbone.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Benanti Bianco di Caselle Etna, Sicily 2013 6-13-16

Benanti Bianco di Caselle Etna 2013 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

Imagine yourself wandering along the planted slopes of Mt. Etna on a balmy day, picking ripe apples and golden grapes, smelling the perfume of flowers and hints of the volcano’s mineral nature, when a relieving breeze drifts in from the Mediterranean… With each sip of this round, approachable white, my mind and senses traveled back to Sicily. Made entirely of Carricante, a variety native to Etna, this wine captures the east-facing warmth of a summer morning, the high-altitude (3,000’) crispness of the vineyard, and the energy of active Mt. Etna. Benanti has been making wines here for over 100 years, and this bianco expresses that tradition and the great mountain itself.… Read the rest