Category Archives: Special Features

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 specialiclivi

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

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

The Aubry line of winegrowers dates back to the late 18th 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

Wine of the Day: Belle Pente Cuvee Contraire Rose, Willamette Valley 2014 6-12-16

bellepentecontraireBelle Pente Cuvee Contraire Rose, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

You might be led to believe that Cameron corners the market on local deep-hued and delicious roses. Au contraire! Brian & Company over at Belle Pente craft this beautiful, layered ruby beauty from 90% Pinot and 10% Gamay and my-oh-my, is it a perfect hundred-degree-weather-wine!?! The wine tastes like freshly-cut strawberries with a flirtatious little cranberry underbelly. Summer heat seems less frightening with a great bottle of pink like this one. Enjoy it! – Tyler… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 6-12-16

goodfellowwv14Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Wine with great pedigree – Marcus Goodfellow has proven, across almost fifteen years, his talent in showcasing the terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The ’14 is not overworked or overboard, coming from uplifted sedimentary and volcanic soils – pretty cool! – and the wine spends 15 months in French oak. Juicy red fruit and notes of blackcurrant work towards an enduring finish with this playful, refreshing wine. – Tyler… Read the rest