august 2016

LOW ROAD

2014, Villa Raiano, Falanghina Beneventano, $15.75
Hailing from Campania in Southern Italy, Falanghina is the grape for this less common, but well-favored wine. It's assumed to be a very old varietal, but it's very new to us. It was only officially approved as a recognized varietal in the United States in 2014. We sipped this at Sarah's cousin's rooftop deck in Naples overlooking the volcano Vesuvio. Her cousin explained that there are two primary regions for Falanghina, one near the Sea where she lives and one inland (her preference). This wine hails from the inland region of Beneventano. Chill for daytime drinking, let it come to cellar temperature for dinner, or better yet, try it both ways, the difference in the flavor is really interesting.

2015, Columna Albarino, $14.38
This full-bodied white wine is made from 100% Albariño grapes tended in granite soil. Known for making the best white wines in the Iberian Peninsula, the Condado de Tea subzone of Rías Baixas is particularly well known. This wine’s style is bright and floral, but still manages minerality and richness. Taste it for the purity of the Albariño grape with zero oak.

2012, Barahonda Barrica, $15

We stumbled on this wine accidentally on a recent trip to Southern California to visit college friends. Our friend Gus brought this beauty as a re-gift from a wine-distributing friend. And we’re glad he did! Hailing from the oldest winery in the Yecla DO region in Spain, the Barahonda Barrica is an estate-bottled wine that combines the powerful Monastrell grape with the spicy, soft tannins of Syrah. Native to Spain, Monastrell was brought to France in the 5th Century, and is better known as “Mourvèdre” in France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation (see high road if your mouth just watered). The terroir and climate of these two excellent wine-producing regions are very similar, think Mediterranean warm nights and warmer days. Popularity has grown very recently and Robert Parker (91 points), American journalists, consumers, and one lucky wine club have fallen for Monastrell-based wines. 

2013, Bodegas Ruca Malen Petit Verdot Reserva, $17.75

We were looking at a Malbec from from this producer and this Petite Verdot gem came along as an Argentinian stowaway. Score!  Wine Advocate gave it 90 points, but we also got a chance to open a bottle or two in the neighborhood and it was met with resounding approval by neighbors and Club members Fun Jelly and Jennifer.  This is the high end of the low road, but it is worth the price, plus those high roaders won’t turn their noses up either.  Decanter Magazine named it one of the 50 best value buys of 2015. You could keep it for years, but why?

HIGH ROAD

2014, Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, $29.25

We chose this wine (and its sister Red below) just before we got an email from Club member Clark inviting us to a blind tasting of eight Rhone Blancs. This one came in second – yes! We knew we’ve found something special. But, the big surprise of the night was the $13 Blanc that won it all (by one point). That will be in November’s Low Road – stay tuned.

2014, Lea Chardonnay, Mormann Vineyard, $30

As far as choosing wines for other people goes, Chardonnays (and especially California Chardonnays) can be a little tricky with fan bases resolutely divided in anti-, oaked or stainless camps. This will only be our second after the gorgeous Oregonian Goodfellow (relaxing sigh.) But this, my friends, may be the perfect California Chard. The Lea Chardonnay hails from the Santa Rita hills appellation (think Santa Barbara-ish) and is aged in old oak barrels. The age of the barrels give this the subtlety of lush vanilla and butter, without sacrificing the brightness, freshness and crispness of other popular faves. Seriously, enjoy the nose before you taste and let the temperature come up a little while you taste – the changes are fun and stunning. And if you care, Robert Parker likes it too – 90 points.

2012, Domain Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge, $36

From the Southern Rhone Valley, “Chante Cigale” (singing cicada,) is a blend made from old (like some are 100+ years old!) vines de-stemmed and aged in foundress, concrete tanks, used oak barrels and some new French oak. Big, red, peppery and spicy made from 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault – enjoy!

2011, Le Berne, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Toscana, $26.25

This “Tre Biccheri” winner is a high-road worthy Sangiovese from Montepulciano (the place, not the grape – very confusing.) Historically this wine is a favorite of aristocrats, famous writers and poets and, even the Pope (Amen!) and was noted as a marriage between the perfume of Chianti Classico and the richness of Brunello di Montalcino. Garnet red in color, aromas of cherry and ripe strawberry and a bright acidity make up this medium-bodied, tannic age-worthy wine.

WINES THAT TECHNICALLY WE BOUGHT FOR OURSELVES,
BUT HEY, WE’LL SHARE

2014, Casali Maniago Friulano, Friuli, $11

Quick! Enjoy the last few Summer weeks with a Summer white. Pairs perfectly with a white pizza (think arugula and prosciutto – I know a guy) at a price that can't be beat.  

2014, Villa Raiano Greco di Tufo, $15.62

The Greco di Tufo reputation is really starting to grow in the United States and is popping up on more and more Italian wine lists. This one is from the same winery as the low-road Falanghina. We drank a ton of it in Naples from many different producers – this one is a great deal for the taste.

BUBBLE ALERT!

2008, Il Calepino Metodo Classico Brut, $21.25

Italy’s answer to champagne! Produced in the Metodo Classico style, this unique sparkler hails from a northern Italy bordering Switzerland (which is shaping up to be Sarah’s favorite area).  The cool alpine climate is especially known for beautifully distinct Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The creamy, aromatic and green apple fruit on this Brut come from extending the age on the lees.    

NV, Ya Cava, $13

If you haven’t had Cava before, it’s time to change that. Cava gives you all the bubbles, uniqueness and refinement of a higher-end Champagne, without the French price tag. Club members have already sipped it at a wedding, a bat mitzvah, fundraising parties and on Tuesday. Because every day is a celebration…