World Wines

Turkey Trot! Wines for Thanksgiving...

Though decidedly an American (as in USA) holiday, our friends from all over the world must also have a fondness for turkey as we've found a veritable plethora of turkey-friendly, Thanksgiving-apropos vinos to celebrate with and help wash down the stuffing, gravy and holiday bird.

THANKSGIVING RIESLING!

For many of our customers, Riesling is still the call for Thanksgiving dinner. And why not? The grape delivers crisp drinkability and its renowned versatility is perfect for the smorgasbord of flavors that the traditional turkey dinner delivers. When one speaks of Piesporter, there’s one name that stands above all the rest and that name is Reinhold Haart! Winemaker Theo Haart has made in 2007, what we think, are his best wines ever! They are crisp and clean with a decided definition and cut that literally defines the terroir of Piesporter Goldtroepfchen. Nevertheless, they capture the ripeness of 2007 with loads of mineral-influenced lemon/lime richness. Try any one of these three gems and you’ll see why we are so high on Reinhold Haart in 2007!

PIESPORTER GOLDTROEPFCHEN 2007 SPATLESE REINHOLD HAART [GERMANY] $39.99 [#303966]
Don’t miss out on this connoisseur’s choice that’s perfect for any occasion! Move quickly as this one is bound for a great score and we understand it’s already sold out in Germany!

SORELLE BRONCA NV PROSECCO [italy] $14.98 [#302441]
Sparkling wines are not only festive but also are great for most all occasions. That’s one of the reasons we love this top-rate Prosecco from the Bronca sisters. What makes this crisp satisfying sparkler especially good is the fact that the juice is kept under pressure in tanks and bottled to order unlike many in the zone. Since it’s made in an extra dry style, it’s ideal for the Thanksgiving table as an apertif or with the entire meal. Here’s a really well-made, inexpensive sparkler that is sure to make your holiday festivities brighter.

OKTOBERFEST 2007
“WEINGUT SCHäFER-FRöHLICH”

Germany’s parade of stellar 2007s continues with an impressive lineup of classically configured wines from Schäfer-Fröhlich! This unheralded domaine from the Nahe Valley has already achieved superstar status amongst Riesling insiders who prize terroir-driven wines that capture a driving minerality and well-integrated acidity that bodes well for long-term ageing. The Schäfer-Fröhlich table was one of the most exciting collections encountered recently at the Cellars International Los Angeles smorgasbord. Riesling lovers will not want to miss any of these!

URZIGER WURZGARTEN 2007 KABINETT MOENCHHOFF $17.95 [#308521] 

Here’s another superb summer sipper from Robert Eymael! This classic Riesling delivers all sorts of stony, citrus laced fruit. Perfect for poolside or patio refreshment!

BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER 2007 KABINETT SCHLOSS LIESER $22.95 [#308347] 

From rising star Thomas Haag, this delightful Kabinett possesses serious potential for seafood appetizers or entrees of any kind!

PIESPORTER 2007 KABINETT REINHOLD HAART $21.95 [#308321] 

This estate has hit a home-run in 2007! Theo Haart’s “Midas Touch” is clearly apparent on this superb Kabinett bargain!

HOCHHEIMER REICHESTAAL 2007 KABINETT FRANZ KUNSTLER $25.95 [#308322] 

“Classic Rheingau” is how we would describe this superb Kabinett that carries a superb panache of mixed dried peach, apricot and nectarine fruit!

URZIGER WURZGARTEN 2007 SPATLESE MOENCHHOFF $24.95 [#308522] 

This very well-done Spatlese is “classic Urziger” with all sorts of spice and floral nuance to complement the wine’s rich, candied citrus, lemon-lime fruit!

RAUMLAND NV SPARKLING WHITE GRAPE JUICE $17.95 [#308348] 

From Germany’s Rheinhessen region comes one of the best non-alcohol wines we’ve ever encountered! This one even has bubbles! Perfect for those occasions when something deliciously non-intoxicating is called for.

Italy

VALLEVO 2007 TREBBIANO D’ABRUZZO $7.98 [#302844] 
Until recently we were rarely in the habit of actively seeking out Trebbiano. With exception of a handful of standouts over the years, most we’ve sampled at various price points have been rather mundane and less than exciting. That being said, here’s a terrific inexpensive Trebbiano that really delivers. Our good friend, importer Oliver McCrum, has a talent for culling out wines that go above and beyond the norm. Vallevo is a crisp, refreshing, bone dry white with aromas of almond, citrus, a hint of herbs and a delicious zip of apple skin on the finish. While flavorful enough for a wide range of dishes, this terrific steal is outstanding as an apertif or poolside sipper.

VALLEVO 2005 MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO $7.98 [#302630] 
Like Trebbiano, we’ve found most Montepulciano d’Abruzzos to be pretty underwhelming. The vast majority hail from large production facilities that crank out high volume, low quality juice. Fortunately the tide is turning as is evident with Vallevo. This great spaghetti red offers some pretty impressive meaty fruit that will more than hold its own at the dinner table. Aromas and flavors of black plum, black cherry, black olives and herbs abound and we think you’ll be quite surprised by the quality of this serious bargain red. Order the pizza, crack open a bottle and get busy.

ODDERO 2007 LANGHE BIANCO “COLLARETTO” $13.98 [#302832] 
We’ve always enjoyed Cristina Oddero’s Chardonnay, but as with most Piemontese Chardonnays (it’s been better than most) we were never smitten. Well, that’s changed now that we’ve tasted this exciting new release. Cristina decided to improve the wine by adding Riesling to her Chardonnay and the rest is history. This delicious white offers fresh aromas of citrus, tropicals and minerals and a very pleasant palate with a bright, refreshing finish. This unique wine offers an outstanding change of pace from the usual suspects and brings a little bit of Piemonte to your table. With or without food, it’s a wine worth savoring. Don’t miss this limited release.

BISSON 2006 BIANCHETTA GENOVESE “U PASTINE” $19.98 [#301867] 
We’ve written about the wines of Pierluigi Lugano a number of times over the years and felt it was time to do so again. This highly dedicated vigneron is staunchly committed to the preservation of local Ligurian grape varietals in and around Cinque Terre, on Italy’s northwestern coastline. We own several of his outstanding wines but wanted to mention this one in particular. Lugano is one of a few whose efforts have rescued this wonderful varietal from extinction through careful maintenance of local vineyards. His Bianchetta is a broad shouldered white with expressive aromatics of white flowers, honey and minerals and a bright, round, minerally palate with great length and freshness. It’s the ideal seafood, fish wine yet is quite versatile at the table. This is a great example of the uniqueness and magic of Italian wine.

MONASTERO SUORE CISTERCENSI 2006 LAZIO BIANCO “COENOBIUM” $19.98 [#302227] 
This very special white wine is produced with loving care by the sisters of a Cistercian order located in Vitorchiano, 60 kilometers north of Rome. With the expert help of Giampiero Bea (of Paolo Bea Winery) they make "Coenobium" from Verdicchio, Grechetto and Trebbiano Toscano. This outstanding wine is every bit as good, if not better, than most Orvietos and is sure to impress. It’s rich and flavorful yet fresh and long lasting on the palate and is excellent with seafood, white meats, light pastas and vegetable dishes. The 2005 went quickly so we anticipate this vintage will as well.

LA MORANDINA 2006 BARBERA D’ASTI “5 VIGNES” $15.98 [#302836] 
Barbera d’Asti is one of our favorite Italian reds largely due to its incredible versatility with food, not to mention its mouthwatering and delicious fruit. La Morandina is a small Asti property that we look forward to selling every year as their wines are among the more consistent value-priced Barberas in the category. The “5 Vignes” is packed with soft, juicy, intensely flavored red berry and currant fruit along with fresh acidity and a lingering finish. Whether you’re having pizza, pasta with red sauce, burgers, meat, etc., this wine is the perfect foil. It’s the ideal everyday dinner red that won’t break the bank.

ODDERO 2005 BARBERA D’AST “VINCHIO” $18.98 [#302831] 
For those wanting Barbera d’Asti with greater depth and complexity we are pleased to offer this very impressive release. This special Barbera is produced from 60-year-old vines and over delivers at the price point. Due to the location of the vineyard, age of the vines and soil type, “Vinchio” offers deeper, darker fruit characters and greater complexity than others we’ve encountered at this price. Ethereal aromatics, intriguing flavors and overall richness make this a wine not to be missed.

CORREGGIA 2005 ROERO NEBBIOLO $19.98 [#302150] 
 Although more customers are inquiring about Barolo and Barberesco, we certainly appreciate the fact that not everyone is looking for pricier wines or long term cellar candidates. Thankfully the wines of Roero are readily available and at very reasonable prices. For those unfamiliar, Roero is a wine growing region located adjacent to Barolo and Barbaresco that is known primarily for Nebbiolo, Barbera and Arneis. Due to the sandier soils here, the wines are softer and much more drinkable in their youth. This is especially aparent when it comes to Nebbiolo.
 The Correggia family are among the more respected producers within Roero and we are happy to have their latest Nebbiolo in stock. This soft tasty red is blessed with classic warm red berry fruit flavors and is immediately drinkable. It’s great with meats, pastas and cheeses and is a terrific introduction to Nebbiolo.

SOTTIMANO 2007 BRACHETTO “MATE” $17.98 [#302838] 
In recent years Brachetto has primarily been produced as a sweet sparkling wine known as Brachetto d’Aqui. Unlike the past, there are only a few producers like Sottimano who are producing Brachetto as a dry table red. Thankfully there is still some around. Brachetto makes intensely floral wines with distinctive notes of violets and bright wild red berry fruit. On the palate it shows pure, bright red fruit goodness and it is especially ideal with light hors d’oeuvres, salami, light seafood dishes, pasta and rice. If you’re looking for a wonderful, out-of-the-ordinary red, don’t hesitate to pick up a botlle or two of this gem.

THURNHOFF 2006 LAGREIN “MERLAU” $17.98 [#302842] 
In 2007, we had the pleasure of visiting the estate of Andreas Berger, a teacher at the local enology school and a winemaker in his spare time. He is especially known for his Gold Muskateller and Lagrein that he grows on the sloped hillsides surrounding his house on the outskirts of Bolzano in Italy’s Alto Adige region. Berger’s Lagrein is soft, lush and packed with black plum and blackberry fruit with an intriguing hint of black tea. For those who’ve never tasted Lagrein, it falls closest to Syrah in texture and color yet has its own unique black fruit profile. It’s a very versatile red that shines with meats, stews and sausages.
 

LE POTAZZINE 2006 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO $27.98 [#301999] 
This small Montalcino producer has been gaining a consistent following the past few vintages and folks have been continually requesting their Rosso since we sold out of the 2005. The 2006 is simply delicious and those looking for it had better jump on it before it disappears.
This higher altitude property produces elegant and more ethereal style wines with a characteristic blackberry fruit and a delicate touch. The 2006 offers more of everything as this vintage looks to be one of the best on record.

SEPTEMBER SPLURGE
GIUSEPPE RINALDI 2003 BAROLO “CANNUBI SAN LORENZO RAVERA” NORMALLY $72.98 SPECIAL SEPTEMBER PRICE $65.98 [#302708] 
One advantage that warm weather brings to the Piemonte region of Italy is earlier drinkability of wines like Barolo and Barbaresco which normally require a fair amount of cellaring. We’ve been bullish on 2003 Barolos, for example, because not only did the better producers make solid wines but also the wines of this vintage are drinkable in their youth.
Until recently Beppe Rinaldi exported only his “Brunate Le Coste” Barolo but has recently been kind enough to take care of his loyal American fans by shipping a small amount of this world class wine to the US. His Cannubi San Lorenzo is a bit more elegant than his Brunate Le Coste and the 2003 is showing beautifully at the moment. Here’s an opportunity for the experienced and nubies alike to enjoy a classic Barolo from one of the top traditional producers at a very special price.

VALE TORRE 2006 “BIN 717” $9.99 [#380498] 
“Bin 717” is a blend of 50% Trincadeira and 50% Aragonez (aka Tempranillo in Spain). Trincadeira performs well in hot climates and lends bright raspberry fruit, spicy, peppery, herbal flavors and very good acidity to a blend. The Aragonez produces good yields of flavorsome wine reminiscent of red fruits, plums, strawberries and blackberries with firm tannins; and it responds well to oak aging. “Bin 717” in particular has a dark, inky purple color with a strong nose of wet tobacco, black raspberry and blackberry. On the palate are flavorful amounts of red and black berry fruit with a pinch of dried black chili flakes. Dry, medium-bodied, with bright acidity, soft juicy tannins and a smooth finish. Break this out when you get ready to grill and be rewarded.

HERDADE GROUS 2006 $19.99 [#380499] 
A blend of 35% Aragonez, 30% Alicante Bouschet (native to the south of France), 20% Touriga Nacional and 15% Syrah. Alicante Bouschet contributes enormously to the color of the wine and is valued for its intense maple flavor though it has a dry finish; Touriga Nacional also adds firm, rich color and an aroma that’s a complex blend of raspberries and ripe black currants, herbs, flowers and licorice. The grapes are sourced from estate-owned vineyards which are farmed organically. Tasting notes: “Deep reddish purple. This wine shows violets, licorice, some spice, mint and rosemary all over a rich background of black fruits. In the mouth the firm tannins balance out the medium weight body and the acidity. Flavors of chocolate, black fruit, coffee and rich raspberries on the finish.” This is another wine that will score with a variety of grilling scenarios and summer get-togethers.

CARTUXA 2004 “EVORA” $24.95 [#380500] 
"Evora" is a blend of Trincadeira, Castelão, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Caiada. Castelão is possibly Portugal's most-planted varietal in the southern half of the country; makes firm elegant, raspberry fruity wines that evolve to a cedary, cigar box character reminiscent of fine, mature Cabernet with age. Alfrocheiro has good color, rich tannin and a good balance of strawberry-like fruit and acidity, increasingly viewed as one of Portugal's high-quality red grapes. Now to meet "Evora." A beautiful deep ruby garnet color with fading near the rim of the glass greets the eye; raspberries, dried cranberries and cherries, leather and dried herbs aromaticize the nose; the palate is lushly layered with ripe plums, dusty berry fruit, dried meat and an underlying minerality. Definitely dry, medium to medium-heavy bodied with tart acidity and medium soft tannins that lead to a luxuriously long, very plush finish. Drinks very well now and will only get better with a few more years in the cellar. Think prime chops and cuts with this one.

QUINTA DO FOJO 2000 “MANUELA” $49.99 [#380512] 
A blend of 40% Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo in Spain), 36% Tinta Barroca, 7% Touriga Nacional, 7% Touriga Franca, and others including a field blend of Tinta Cão, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Carvalha and a few other selected varietals. Tinta Barroca yields generous quantities of well-ripened grapes in cooler vineyards producing dark-colored wines. Touriga Franca has appealing floral fragrances and velvety tannins and can age well.
"Manuela" has remarkable depth, fine structure and simply sensational fruit. It is nuanced with chocolate notes and the finish shows excellent focus and a crisp, snappy pomegranate élan. The grapes for "Manuela" were hand-harvested then crushed by traditional foot treading in granite lagares previously used in port production.

LUIS PATO "BRUTO" ESPUMANTE SPARKLING WINE $14.99 [#380515] 
This sparkler is a blend of 95% Maria Gomes (also known as Fernão Pires), a grape that makes aromatic and somewhat-spicy tasting dry, sweet and sparkling wines, and 5% Arinto. This is a lively sparkling wine with medium-sized bubbles and aromatics of honey, ripe pears, peaches and a slight tinge of salt air. The palate is very flavorful and fruity with a creamy orange zest, golden apples and a bit of tropical fruit (pineapple). It's dry but with plush creamy bubbles, bright acidity and a nice finish with flavors bursting throughout. This is another perfect summer sipper that will go with a variety of seafood (from fried calamari to fresh oysters).

QUINTA DE CABRIZ BRANCO "COLHEITA SELECCIONADA" $9.99 [#380514] 
A blend of 40% Encruzado (the Dão's best white grape, excellent balance between sugar and acidity), 20% Bical (fresh acidity and good peachy-floral flavors), 20% Cerceal and 20% Malvasia-Fina. A powerful aromatic nose of ripe tropical fruits (tangerine, ripe banaa, papaya, guava) leads to a flavorful palate just a touch more reserved than the nose with white peach and nectarine flavors uplifted by a rich creamy mouthfeel (aged on lees). Acidity and fruit finish nicely in harmony, balance.

MORE FROM GERMANY 2007
Germany’s 2007 parade continues with another bevy of stellar wines that are more than appropriate to August’s heat! Don’t forget to stop by and pick up a few of these classic “beat-the-heat” gems!

ESTATE RIESLING 2007 “PIESPORT” REINHOLD HAART $15.95 [#300713] 
We can honestly tell you that the Reinhold Haart table was probably the most exciting table at our recent LA extravaganza! Virtually every wine there was a hit! This particular QBA was perhaps the most impressive wine of the genre! It captures classic Mosel terroir and fruit with a flair and depth that goes way beyond the genre! We went big on this and upon tasting, you will too!

ESTATE RIELING 2007 MEDIUM DRY “BUTTERFLY” ZILLIKEN $16.49 [#300714] 
We see Zilliken’s “Butterfly” as a key late summer acquisition that will go nicely with light snacks and h’ors d’oeuvres! Its name reflects the nature of the wine. It’s light, whimsical and perfectly delightful! Classically endowed with nice lemon/lime, tropical flavor, the wine carries well-integrated acidity and a sense of place that can only come from the Mosel! Perfect for poolside, patio or on-board dining!

RIESLING KABINETT 2007 “WEHLENER SONNENUHR” WEINS-PRUEM $18.95 [#300705] 
Bert Selbach is no stranger to our stores as we’ve long been fans of his exquisite Middle Mosel offerings! In fact, his wines once graced the cover of our newsletter! He has given us a superb Kabinett in 2007 from the renowned “Wehlener Sonnenuhr” vineyard! This gem proffers a mix of mixed tropical and citrus fruit accented with creamy hints of key lime, lemon chiffon and kiwi fruit. Classic quaffer!

RIESLING KABINETT 2007 “BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER” FRITZ HAAG $26.99 [#300715] 
Here’s a fairly serious Kabinett from a domaine most regard as one of the top 2-3 Middle Mosel estates! It’s fairly sublime in tying together nuances of Mosel terroir with perfectly honed and balanced fruit that’s simply a joy to behold! Finely interwoven strands of mixed tropical, citrus and orchards stone fruits are supported by a subliminal layer of bedrock acidity that supports the whole enterprise. It’s one of the most perfect Kabinett wines we’ve ever encountered and deserves a place at every connoisseur’s table!

ESTATE SPATLESE 2007 “DIVA” GUNDERLOCH $20.95 [#300716] 
“Diva” has always played well on our stage so were anxious to taste the 2007! Upon tasting, we were enthralled! It’s clearly one of the best renditions ever of this long-time store fave! You’ll be singing yourself upon opening and enjoying! It’s a hedonist’s delight!

RIESLING SPATLESE 2007 “OBEREMMELER HUETTE” VON HOEVEL $24.95 [#300717] 
The von Hoevel estate has given us a lovely Spatlese in 2007 that combines glorious vectors of mango, papaya, kiwi and lime. Creamy and custardy on the palate, this one’s a crowd pleaser! Probably the best Spatlese ever from this domaine!

RIESLING SPATLESE 2007 “BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER SONNENUHR” FRITZ HAAG $35.99 [#300718] 
This very special wine from Haag clearly has potential to be “the Spatlese” of the vintage! It’s sublime in its ethereal transparency, yet enormously rich and concentrated carrying a cornucopia of sundry tropical, citrus and orchard stone fruits. Hints of red berry and red cherry course throughout lending additional credence to its standing as one of the top wines of the 2007 crop!

UND AUCH ‘WAS!
We pretty much gravitate to Riesling when it comes to our German purchasing but we would be remiss in our duties if we didn’t share with you these two exceptionally unique wines from the Pfeffingen estate located in the Pfalz!

SCHEUREBE 2007 SPATLESE PFEFFINGEN $25.95 [#300719] 
Full-on “Scheurebe” is how we’d describe this marvelous production that comes from a superb old-vine plot. Honeyed nuances of sundry pear and apple fruits abound in this delightful production that’s perfectly suited to Asian cuisine of any kind, particularly Vietnamese or spicy Thai.

GEWURZTRAMINER 2007 SPATLESE PFEFFINGEN $23.95 [#300720] 
Doris Eymael has provided us with a lovely Gewurztraminer in 2007 redolent of white flowers, litchi, gingerbread and spice. It’s fairly dry despite carrying a Spatlese designation on the label. It’s perfect for sipping alone or for enjoying with light seafood niblets or classic Chinese cuisine!

Vintage Report: Germany 2007

It has been a while since we’ve done anything with Germany! The stellar 2005 vintage still resides as a high water mark for this Teutonic nation which was th