Gems are found by searching and digging and recognizing the beauty of a thing when it is hidden amongst dirt and pebbles. This Saturday we want to share some choice discoveries with you. We have a sparkling opal and four spectacular rubies that you don’t want to miss. Come and have a taste of “minerality.”
2012 Viticoltori Alto Adige San Pietro Pinot Bianco $14
Viticoltori Alto Adige is a co-operative of six wineries in Veneto. Their Pinot Blanc is aged in stainless steel and delivers crisp and clean flavors of peach and apple, supple complexity and a hint of minerality.
2012 Luigi Pira Dolcetto$16
Pira’s holdings are in the three most prestigious crus in the Serralunga commune: “Margheria,” “Marenca,” and “Rionda.” Their rich Dolcetto features the telltale fine tannins of Serralunga, fresh blueberry and cherry fruit, a rich mouthfeel and great length.
2011 Guimaro, Ribera Sacra $20
Mencia
Ribeira Sacra’s steep terraced vineyards are some of the most picturesque and treacherous to work in the world of wine. Some of the vineyard slopes are a 50 degree grade or higher; during harvest, grapes have to be transported out of the vineyard in bins attached to single-rail conveyers. The Guimaro comes from multiple plots of organically farmed Mencía vines with an average age of 40 years old. The wine is all about immediate pleasure with pure, lush red fruits, spices, and slate-laden minerality.
2010 Avigonesse Rosso di Montepulciano $19
Sangiovesse
Avigonesse is a Tuscan bench mark. Their grapes are organic and sustainably farmed. Their entry level Rosso ages 6 months in large barrels and 3 months in bottle before release. It is a versatile medium ruby red wine with enticing aromas of red summer fruits blended with Mediterranean herbs, lively rounded tannins, vibrant acidity and a long finish.
2011 Eric Texier Brezeme Syrah $24
Brézème is a small, and at one point nearly forgotten, viticulture area located near the town of Livron-sur-Drôme on the eastern bank of the northern Rhône where the steep, southward facing slopes of primarily limestone and clay produce truly great Syrah. Eric Texier makes this wine with minimal intervention. Wine Spectator calls it “A racy, pure style, showing tangy pepper and tobacco notes backed by iron, damson plum and red currant fruit flavors, with a silky finish.” Come describe it for yourself.