A couple of weeks ago we emailed about some of our new Champagnes (there are a few left if you want them) but you can’t drink Champagne every day.  Here are some more everyday bubbles priced to pop whenever the mood strikes.  Some are new to us, some are old favorites.  All delicious.

2016 Domaine Rosier, Jean Philippe Blanquette de Limoux  $15
Mauzac, Chardonnay, Chenin
Intense perfume of Williams pears and honeysuckle. Lively and full-bodied, as it reaches the mouth, it releases a taste of toasted bread with a hint of honey. All together it is remarkably well balanced, smooth and fresh. Was $20 now $15

Delmas, Cuvée Séduction Brut Rosé  $14
LimouxChardonnay and Chenin juices blended with Pinot Noir aged in barrels eight months.  This Cuvée Séduction – Crémant Rosé will know how to seduce you. Its thin bubbles will highlight its delicately fruity and delicious aromas. With freshness and lightness, its both subtitle and pronounced taste will delight your senses and underscore all the originality of this exceptional Crémant Rosé.
Was $18 now $14

2018 Kir-Yianni, Akakies Sparkling Rose Amyndeon  $15
Xinomavro
The grapes are sourced from the viticultural zone of Agios Panteleimon within the Amyndeon appellation in Florina, Northwestern Greece. The high altitude (600m) and the poor sandy soils of the area lead to the production of wines displaying finesse and a rare aromatic character.  Deep bright rose color. Overabundant bubbles pointing out the wonderful smells of Xinomavro.
Was $20 now $15

Proa Cava Brut Méthode Traditionell  $13
40% Macabeo, 30% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Translucent pale yellow with foamy head effervescence. Nice composition with a quite dry profile, well-balanced and with a rather long refined taste. Pair with shellfish, appetizers and snacks, lean fish, cured meats, or just as an aperitif. 11.5% alcohol by volume

Moutard Pet Mout  $14
Chardonnay
Petillant Naturel, aka “Pet Nat,” is a traditional method of producing sparkling wine where the wine is bottled prior to the completion of primary fermentation.  The bubble is fine, the aromas of citrus fruits, floral and mineral go very well with freshness and elegance in mouth in addition to an acidity which allows balance between aromatic power and softness.  Fun summer wine.

Domaine Saint Vincent Brut  $13
80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
Made by Gruet,  the Domain Saint Vincent Brut is a soft yellow-gold, crisp and lively, with a nose of green apple and citrus mineral notes. This well balanced food-friendly sparkler offers bright, crisp acidity complemented by a touch of yeast on the delightfully long finish.

Saint Just Crémant de Loire Brut  $22
80% Chenin, 20% Chardonnay
A rich Cremant with a  fruity nose followed by almond, quince, and pear on the palate. This finish has an elegant creamy texture with long flavors.

Antica Fratta Brut Franciacorta DOCG  $25
90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero
Franciacorta is to Italy what Champagne is to France. The calcareous soils producing complex mineraled wines. The Antica Fratta is blended out of a library of base wines and then aged 2 years in bottle. It is an elegantly fresh, vivacious and full wine characterized by pleasing aromas of fresh fruit, wild blossoms and subtle bread crust.

Our Current Hours:

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 4PM

White wines from the Rhône Valley in France make up only a small percentage of the total production and are overshadowed by their red counterparts.  But while production is small the flavor and the quality is great.  Here are a few of the wines we currently have in stock along with a few homages from local wine makers.

2019 Vignobles Des Doms, Côtes du Rhône Blanc  $13
60% Grenache Blanc, 40% Viognier
A balanced CDR Blanc has light floral aromas paired with citrus and white peach.  It’s medium body is kept fresh with come fresh acidity.

2016 Sparkman Cellars,  Apparition $13
75% Roussanne, 12% Grenache Blanc and 13% Marsanne.
This wine is mostly Roussanne (70%), with the balance equal parts Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, with the fruit coming from Olsen and Boushey vineyards. Lemon verbena, grape-nut, peach and apple aromas lead to broad stone-fruit flavors.

2014 Famille Brechet, Plateau Des Chênes, Lirac Blanc  $15
Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette
Plateau des Chênes is the property that Laurent Brechet owns in Lirac (across the river from Château Nuef du Pape) where he makes a range of reds as well as a stunning example of Lirac Blanc. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette, it is an expressively floral and complex wine proving that Lirac is far from the little sister of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  Was $20 now $15

2017 Jean-Luc Colombo, La Belle du Mai Saint Peray  $20
60% Rousanne, 40% Marsanne
A full Rhone white.  An intense floral and fruity nose with notes of iris, candied fruit and fresh hazelnuts. Full-bodied palate with rich, concentrated flavors of quince, vanilla, and a slight lemon zest.

2018 Domaine de Pentelines, Clara  $22
20% Clairette, 20% Marsanne, 20% Rousanne, 20% Grenache, 20% Ugni Blanc
A Rhone white that rivals many CNDP Blancs.  Savory notes of beer hops, fresh tarragon, and green peaches lift from the glass. The palate offers a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of apricots, grilled apples, and whipped cream that linger through on the long finish.

2017 Tranche, Pape Blanc  $25
32% Viognier, 19% Grenache Blanc, 15% Roussanne, 15% Marsanne, 15% Picpoul, 4% Clarette
Vibrant aromas of white peach and nectarine are complimented by notes of citrus, white flowers, fresh cream and baking spice. The wine is full-bodied and textured on the palate showing a complex evolution of flavors, from cantaloupe, apricot and stone fruit, to honey, macadamia and toasted brioche.

2012 Jaboulet, Ermitage  $39
100% Roussanne
Powerful scents of nectarine, pear nectar and Meyer lemon pick up vanilla, honey and smoky mineral nuances with air. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering powerful, mineral-laced orchard and pit fruit flavors and refreshingly bitter suggestions of quinine and citrus pith. Minerally and nervy on the penetrating, extremely persistent finish, which leaves behind suave vanilla and pear liqueur notes. This a rare example of a white Hermitage being made exclusively with Roussanne.
Was $80 now $39, only 2 bottles left.

Our reduced hours:

Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 4PM

There is always a reason to celebrate, sometimes it is a birthday or anniversary, sometimes it is just Thursday.  We have picked up a few good deals on Champagne recently.  Now that is a reason to celebrate.  Check them out.

Liebart Régnier Les Sols Bruns  $36
60% Pinot Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Cellar aged for 3 years with a subtle nose with a predominance of apricot and yellow peach. Delicate menthol, biscuity fragrances add richness with a lively tension from the citrus, predominantly pomelo flavors, this full-bodied wine has a delicate tartness to get your juices flowing. It is multi-layered and full of character.  The dominance of Pinot Meunier means that its fruitiness is already enjoyable, pushing attractive citrus and fresh pineapple flavors forward.
Was $44 now $36
Good availability.

Barnaut Blanc de Noirs Brut Grand Cru  $45
Pinot Noir
Powerful raspberry and tangerine aromas are complicated by gingery spices and fresh flowers, with a suave overlay of chalky minerality. Creamy red berry and orchard fruit flavors show very good depth and are braced by zesty acidity. A weighty but lively Champagne with a long, spicy finish that repeats the floral note.
Was $60 now $45
22 bottles available

Coquillette Carte d’ Ort Brut 1er  $40
66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay
This fresh and creamy Champagne offers notes of honey graham cracker dust, toast, tangerine blossom, orange, lemon drop and crisp apple. The extremely fine bubbles give it a delicacy and elegant taste.
Was $55 now $40
12 bottles available

Philippe Gonet Extra Brut 3210  $45
Chardonnay
Bright gold. Dried pear, marzipan, honey and lemon pith on the pungent nose. Dry and chewy in texture, offering poached pear and buttered toast flavors braced by a smoky mineral nuance. Shows good power and focus on the persistent, mineral-accented finish, with the butter and honey notes repeating. The blend of richness and energy here will make this a very flexible Champagne at the table.
Was $64 now $45
3 bottles available

2011 Michel Gonet Grand Cru Mesnil Sur Oger  $40
Chardonnay
Opening in the glass with a youthfully reserved bouquet of white currants, citrus oil, warm bread and wet stones, Gonet’s 2011 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is full-bodied, deep and tensile, with a racy spine of acidity, a fleshy core and a long, saline finish. Mineral and elegantly austere, this is nonetheless beautifully balanced.
Was $55 Now $40
3 bottles available

Current hours:
Wednesday to Sunday, Noon to 4PM

These days, When Cocktail Hour comes around you have to fend for yourself.  To help out we’ve made a list of our Vermouth, Appertivos, Amaros and assorted treats to make your cocktails special.  Most of these are delicious on their own as well.

Dry Whites

Dolin Vermouth Blanc de Chambery  $15
The sweet, pale ‘Blanc’ variety of vermouth was first created and made famous by Dolin in Chambéry long before Italian producers replicated the style as ‘Bianco’. The Blanc is traditionally served with a sliced strawberry, a splash of soda and a twist.

Ransom Dry Vermouth  $20
Base wine: A blend of organically and conventionally farmed aromatic white varietals and Pinot Noir. Infusion: Wormwood*, Rosehip*, Scullcap*, Chamomile*, Orange Peel*, Verbena*, Spearmint*, Star Anise*, Cinnamon Bark*, Coriander*, Arch Angel Root*, Burdock Root*, Fennel*, Cardamom*, Lemon Peel*, and Vanilla Bean.  (*Denotes Organic Ingredients) 375ml

Sweet Whites

Alessio Bianco  $28
Alessio Vermouth Bianco is an historic variation of Italian Sweet Vermouth, regarded as a “Vino di Moda” (fashion wine). Vermouth Blanc was made with a similar recipe as traditional sweet vermouth but was filtered to be completely clear and was sometimes referred to as “Semi-sweet”. Warm spices and mild bitterness are tempered with a bright, crisp citrus finish. Enjoy chilled on its own or as an alternative to traditional Italian Sweet Vermouths in your favorite classic cocktails.

L.N. Mattelei Cap Course Quinolina  $21
A white Corsican Quinquina Blanc  — Its base is of Vermentino and Muscat Petit Grains, lending a terrific minerality, acidity and floral tones. The local Cedrat (aka citron) adds unique citrus aroma and a silky texture. Mix with soda or on the rocks or upscale your next negroni with this.

Sweet Reds

Dolin Vermouth Rouge de Chambéry  $15
Made of fine wines and botanicals found in the Alpine meadows above Chambery. The particular mixture of plants found near Chambéry give a fresh, restrained and elegant nose, with a subtle, complex bittersweet palate.

Ransom Sweet Vermouth $20
Base wine: A blend of organically and conventionally farmed aromatic white varietals, including Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Infusion: Wormwood*, Sarsaparilla*, Sassafras, Wild Cherry Bark*, Red Cinchona Bark, Dandelio n Root*, Hibiscus Flower*, Orris Root, Cardamom Pods*, Blessed Thistle*, Chamomile*, Orange Peel*, Verbena*, Spearmint Leaf*, Cinnamon Bark*, Arch Angel Root*, Lemon Peel*, Vanilla Beans, Cacao Nibs, Coffee Beans, Walnuts, Black Mission Figs, Medjool Dates, Dried Cherries. Sweeteners: Turbinado Sugar*, Muscat Grape Juice, Maple Syrup. (*Denotes Organic Ingredients) 375ml

Vermut Del Sol Sweet Red Vermouth $25
From Solera Bravo Wines, this Vermouth is aged in the solera method blending the herbal infusions with Washington State Moscato.  Complex richer spice & herb flavors.

Bodegas Yuste Vermut Pedro 1  $27
41 botanicals such  as  Wormwood,  Gentian,  Sambuca,  Coriander,  Quinine  and  Centaurea highlight savory, bitter and floral elements. As all things Sanlúcar, refinement is the key, starting with dry Oloroso Sherry aged over ten years in the fresh breezes of the Atlantic. The final blend is married for a minimum of six months in casks previously containing Manzanilla, further developing the vermouth’s briney-bitter complexity. A few final drops of velvety Sanlúcar Pedro Ximénez perfectly round the corners.

Del Professore Rosso Vermouth  $34
This is the only vermouth on the market composed of both red and white Italian base wine and aromatized with herbs and produce grown entirely within the vicinity of the distillery.  Balsam and mint, balanced with aromas of bitter oils, orange zest, and vanilla. It is full and soft on the palate with a pleasant balsamic character underlined by rhubarb and gentian which are balanced by subtle sweetness.

Alessio Chinato Vermouth  $22
Alessio Vermouth Chinato is also based on a classic recipe from the late 19th century combined with the additional bittering of Cinchona bark and more than 25 other balancing herbs, including Grande and Petite wormwood, and reflects an almost-lost style of bitter vermouth. 375ml

La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge  $18
Made from Red Pineau des Charentes ― a blend of 75% grape juice and 25% Cognac from a single estate, matured for at least 8 months in French oak barrels ― and a composition of carefully curated botanicals.  Withvanilla and spice notes, it is extraordinarily long on the palate. liquorice, prune and vanilla flavours, enveloped by chocolate-toffee notes, burnt vanilla and warm spiced notes, which evolve to a long-lasting finish.  375 ml

Alessio Vino Chinato  $42
Alessio Vino Chinato is highlighted by bold red and black fruit aromas and youthful tannins with added herbal notes from aromatic herbs and a balanced bitter finish of Cinchona bark. Alessio Vino Chinato is an elegant and robust aperitif for use in any cocktail requiring a classic Italian Sweet Vermouth and can also be enjoyed chilled on its own before a meal, or after and is exceptional when paired with chocolate or sharp and blue cheeses.

Martelletti Vermouth Classico  $26
Moscato di Asti is used for the base wine. Intense with aromatic herbs, complex with distinct notes of vanilla, bitter orange, gentian, and rhubarb.  This sweet vermouth from Piedmont falls in between Dolin Rouge and Carpano Antica. Not as sweet as the latter, and not as lean as the former. It’s like baby bear’s porridge: just right!  Excellent as an aperitif, in a cocktail.

Amaro

Bosca Cardamaro  $24
Piedmont
A distinct Italian herb-infused wine that is great as a digestif or in custom cocktails.

Cocchi Vermouth Amaro  $21
From the original recipe by Giulio Cocchi where Artemisia was enriched with rhubarb, quassia wood, chiretta and a double infusion of cinchona. The addition of Barolo Chinato to the base wine gives delicately red nuances and a further soft and complex note. 500 ml

Cappelletti Elisir Novasalus Vino Amaro  $23
Elisir Novasalus is likely the most bitter thing we sell here. Imagine charring resinous herbs like rosemary and sage over wood flames and then squeezing out whatever drop of liquid might be left in the plant material. I think that approximates the level of flavor we’re at. The flavor really lingers on. Better yet, after the first few sips, you will be primed and able to take in complexities beyond the blunt beginning. Layers of mild sweetness and perfumes will unfold. This is based in wine, not spirit, and needs to be kept chilled after opening.

Quina

Valdespino Quina  $20
This is a Sherry version of Chinato, Solera Sherry with Quinine, herbs and spices.  An odd but delicious cross between Sherry and Vermouth.

Byrrh Grand Quinquina  $20
Made to the original 19th century recipe that earned worldwide fame. Combines a generous wine and mistelle base with a firm backbone of quinine to produce a fruity, refreshing aperitif. Classically sipped on ice with lemon peel or with a splash of tonic.  Port-like in its wine base; Byrrh loves clear spirits such as gin, tequila and mezcal and it makes an interesting Manhattan.

Appertivos

Cocchi Americano Bianco    $22
Made since 1891 using only natural ingredients, The Americano has notes of orange zest, orange flower and elderflower, baked apple and pear as the bitter notes mingle with honey and citrus flavors. Mix with a little soda water and serve over ice with a twist.

Cocchi Americano Rosa  $22
Cocchi Rosa is produced with a base of red wines of Piedmont to which herbs and spices extracts are added, in particular, gentian, cinchona, citrus zests and rose petals.

Aperitivo Cappelletti   $20
The Italians are fond of infusing wine with bitter herbs to make aperitifs, and Cappelletti is one of the bitterest. But blended with sparkling wine or soda water it is a refreshing start to just about anything. Cappelletti may be the oldest of its style. It is also perfect for Negronis.

Misc.

Finn River Black Current  $23
A local Cassis for your cocktails or  a little after dinner sipping. 18.5% alcohol by volume

Finishing Touches

Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries  $20
ItalyMonse Selection 2012 Award Winner. These are not your grandmother’s bleach-dyed recolored Maraschino Cherries — these are the real deal. These candied cherries in Marasca syrup are to perfect complement for your Manhattan.  You bought top shelf Bourbon, you need top shelf cherries.

Amarena Fabbri Wild Cherries in Syrup  $4
These luscious and intensely flavorful AM arena cherries from the province of Emilia-Romagna are one of the most sought after all over Europe. The Fabbri family has been producing these luxurious wild cherries in syrup since 1905 from the guarded original recipe of founder Gennaro Fabbri. The local wild cherries which are a dark red variety with a sweet and slightly bitter flavor are preserved in a rich syrup made from the juice of the same fruit.  4.2 oz ceramic jar.

Amarena  Fabbri  Fragola  $19
Fabbri takes strawberries to another level.  Preserved in high quality syrup, an ideal decoration for sweets, desserts or semifreddo, or an ingredient in special cocktails and tasty sauces. 14oz jar

.

2017 Château Feuillet Traminer Aromatico   $14
Gewürztraminer
Valle D’Acosta
A very aromatic  and dry Northern Italian Gewürztr.   The nose is floral, but these are surely mountain wildflowers, and the palate is perfectly crisp and quenching.  Was $30 Now $14

2018 Benito Ferrara Vigna Cicogna  $15
Grecco de Tufo
Made from 15 to 60-year-old vines, this Italian white stands out from its rivals due to its intense structure and dry, mineral texture – a great example of why connoisseurs get so excited by Greco. This is lean, with incredibly fresh, mouthcoating acidity, and light aromas of green apple, grapefruit, chamomile, jasmine, and almonds.  Was $27, Now $15

2016 Château Andriet Élevé en Fût de Chêne Bordeaux Superieur  $12
88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
A great entry level Bordeaux hits all the right buttons at a great price.
Was $15 Now $12

2016 Anne-Sophie Pic & Michel Chapoutier, Côtes-du-Rhône  $14
Grenache and Syrah.
A joint project between a famous chef and a famous winemaker.  Very bright & snappy, aromas of red fruits (mainly morello cherries) and spices (liquorice, grey pepper).  The tannins are firm and silky and the wine has a great structure.Was $18, Now $14

2016 Boniperti Carlin Colline Novaresi  $14
100% Nebbiolo
From the very north of Italy the Carlin has notes of underbrush, crushed mint and dark-spice aromas lead the way. It’s juicy and savory, doling out dried red cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside bright acidity and firm, refined tannins. A salty note marks the close. 13% alcohol by volume. Was $22 Now $14

2004 Francesco Intorga Heritage Superiore Ambra Dolce Marsala  $20
Consistent and intense, with assertive notes of honey, caramel and carob, apricot and candied orange peel, pine nuts, almonds and walnut. Full on the palate, smooth and honeyed, with just the right equilibrium between freshness and alcohol impact. Persistent and elegantly structured.  Was $30 Now $20

Our Current Hours

Wednesday to Sunday

Noon to 4PM

A few of our distributors were cleaning their closets.  They offered us some deals and we took them up on some of them.  Now it’s your turn.  Quantities are limited so these deals won’t be around forever.

WHITES

2014 Putzenhof, Kerner Alto Adige  $12
This delicious Northern Italian grape is a cross between Riesling and Sckiava. It has a full silky body with layered flavors of pear and quince. 5% alcohol by volume. Was $19 now $12

2016 Lethaler, Drago Pinot Grigio  $12
Trentino
A bright, fresh and fragrant expression of one of Italy’s most versatile grapes. The bouquet opens to forthcoming aromas of cut grass, citrus and white peach. The finish is sleek and pure. Was $18 now $12

2018 Terredora, Dipaolo Le Starse  $12
100% Coda de Volpe
Floral and fruit aromas of honeysuckle and ripe orchard fruits while the linear, medium-bodied palate doles out ripe pear, acacia honey and almond. It has a tangy finish thanks to saline notes and bright acidity.  Was $18 now $12

Rosé
2013 Peter Jakob Kühn, Späburgunder Brut Rosé  $12
Pinot Noir
This Germain Blanc de Noir is is Rosé by just the faintest blush. It is very crisp and minerally. Very nice quality to price ratio. Nice dry rose and worth having tried for unique terroir. Was $25 Now $12

2018 Dei, Rosato Toscana  $10
Sangiovese
Fresh aromas, especially flowers and fruits, red and soft. Mineral flavors and red and fresh flowers and fruits, like red cherry, strawberry, raspberry.   Was $18 now $10

2018 Domaine de la Prébende, Beaujolais Rosé  $12
Gamay
From clay and limestone soils this this Beaujolais Rosé from Kermit Lynch is crisp and refreshing as well as organic. Was $18 now $12

REDS

2016 Sesti, Monteleccio  $15
Named for their “hill of oaks” south of Montalcino, it is a blend of the fruit that doesn’t go into their Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello bottles. Aromatic, vibrant, well built, with an inherent energy and poise. Was $27 now $15

2013 Fondo Antico, Nero d’Avola  $10
Aromas of dark berry and cooking spice. The straightforward palate offers raspberry jam and carob alongside smooth tannins.  Was $14, Now $10

2018 Paetra, Pinot Noir Eola – Amity Hills  $18
This Willamette Valley Pinot has dark cherry fruit, with a distinct touch of earthy mushroom.  Was $25 now $18

2015 Brian Carter, Cellars Abracadabra Red  $13
34% Syrah, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9%Tempranillo, 6% Cinsault, 5% Mourvedre, 3% Sangiovese, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
The wine’s aroma has witch’s hat full of blackberries, black cherries, and cedar, with pinches of pepper and vanilla bean. Full flavors show soft, well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Was $20 now $13

2014 Putzenhof, Lagrein Alto Adige  $12
A very earthy wine full of dark fruit layered with herb and animal notes. Great with grilled meats.  Was $19 now $12

2016 Masseria Seteporte, Etna Rosso  $24
Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
Rustic, mineral, at times even herbal, but with a smooth and generous fruity core. This is the essence the Etna Rosso from Masseria Setteporte, produced with grapes from thirty-year-old vines which dig their roots deep into the volcanic soil of Mount Etna. Was $30 now $24

As a reminder, our current hours are Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4pm.