Tag Archives: wine of the day

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. It was bottled one month before I tasted it in April 2015, after three months of maceration. It has an organic nose that mixes blood oranges and sour cherries. The palate is sharp and a little edgy, but it is easy to drink. 2010 was the first vintage for this wine.”

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. And often that’s what the Burgundy-deprived senses crave: the elegant, seductive essence of Pinot Noir from its native Côte d’Or, at a more-than-reasonable price. Consider me dosed. – Daniel

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.

The Friulano San Pietro 2014 shows only the slightest yellow hue. Its body is just as light, but its aromatic weight – lemon, almonds, white flowers – dominates the palate and nose with each sip. Equally as fresh and stunning, the Ribolla Gialla shows a citrus character, with zingy acidity. In case bubbles are in order, the Ribolla Brut Nature offers the same airy, citric brilliance, in a wine as dry as the limestone that raised it. All three wines long to accompany antipasti, seafood, or creamy cheeses. Forza Friuli! – Daniel

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. At play with this are notes of white flowers, lemon, a stony minerality, and some toastiness on the finish. Balanced, fresh, and très Champagne… What’s not to like about a revisit to the Ancien Régime?! – Daniel

Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “(45% pinot meunier, 25% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, with the rest arbanne, petit meslier and fromenteau; disgorged in April, 2013): Bright straw. Pungent aromas of Meyer lemon, pear and fig, with a gingery accent adding lift. Sappy, penetrating citrus fruit and floral flavors are given a refreshingly bitter character by notes of pear skin and peach pit, with a waxy note coming up on the back half. A smoky nuance lingers on the finish, which shows very good clarity and length. Fifty-five percent of this blend is from 2010 and the rest is reserve wines, mostly from a solera that was begun in 1998.” JR

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. Delicious to drink now. – Daniel

James Suckling 92 points: “An Etna white with sliced-pear, apple and chalk aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, round and rich with dried pineapple and hints of minerals. Firm structure and freshness. Beautiful pure carricante. Drink now.”