Happy Holidays to All! A few new wines, plus new samplers herewith.
NEW WHITES:
Emerson 2007 Pinot Gris @ $16.99 (my buy, a lovely new entry from Oregon)
St. Michael-Eppan 2007 Pinot Grigio @ $17.99 (see above)
(new vintage) Olivier Leflaive 2006 Bourgogne Les Setilles @ $19.99 (I think, forgot to check price)
NEW REDS:
Goodnight Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $12.99
Puzelat 2007 Le Terquel @ $14.99
Cantina Sant' Agata 2007 Baby Barbera @ $14.99
Tommasi 2006 Valpolicella @ $15.99
Philips 7 Deadly Zins @ $16.99
Calvet-Thunevin 2005 Cuvee Constance @ $17.99
Puzelat 2006 In Cot We Trust @ $20.99
Burgess 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $27.99
Ode to Agapē
Agapē (/ægəpi/[1]) (Gk. αγάπη [aɣa.pi]) - one of several Greek words translated into English as love.
Domaine Agapē is the story of a match made in wine lover's heaven. Isabel Boxler & Vincent Sipp both hail from traditional families in Alsace, each with a fascinating history of wine and war that goes back hundreds of years. Together, they produce stunning wines that are lively, elegant, and truly delicious, and it is our pleasure to introduce them to you.
In 2007 Vincent bought a small winery in Riquewihr, the heart of the Alsatian wine growing region. Since then the couple has expanded their plot to include 20 acres of land in three villages: Riquewihr, Hunawihr and Ribeauvillé. Alsace is a blessing to the consumer in that varietals are printed in big bold letters on every bottle but murderous because there's no telling if the wine is going to be vinified dry or intensely rich with residual sweetness. HINT: all of these wines, still and sparkling, are flavorful but not sweet - they are intensely pure, and yes, DRY.
One third of the winery is classified as Grand Cru, with the average age of a vine no less than 25 years. Each plot has distinctive soil qualities and grapes are tended carefully by hand, producing wines that are intensely aromatic and expressive. Isabel and Vincent continue a tradition of organic farming set forth by their families, using compost and natural insecticides, and focus their efforts on producing a smaller crop and thus supremely concentrated grapes. Production is limited to just 5,000 cases per year.
When or how should you drink an Agapē wine this holiday season?
Oh let me count the ways.... try the Muscat one afternoon cuddled up with a good book or while visiting with a friend, pop open the Cremant when welcoming guests, and there's no better time than NOW to taste the Riesling. Trust me, it will rock the world of a true Riesling fanatic and woo the heart of those who poo poo the grape all together.
Raise a glass of Agapē wine and toast to the moment. Why? Why not is more like it!
Agapē Muscat
Muscat produces wines that are aromatic and easy on the palate with flavors of peaches, apricots, oranges. Agapē is as lovely as can be, like candy without the sweetness - note this wine is still and dry, do not confuse it with Moscato d'Asti a semi-sweet Italian sparkler. Ideal as an apertif, pleasant to sip just about anytime, anywhere. $22.99/btl, $228.96/cs
Muscat produces wines that are aromatic and easy on the palate with flavors of peaches, apricots, oranges. Agapē is as lovely as can be, like candy without the sweetness - note this wine is still and dry, do not confuse it with Moscato d'Asti a semi-sweet Italian sparkler. Ideal as an apertif, pleasant to sip just about anytime, anywhere. $22.99/btl, $228.96/cs
Agapē NV Brut Cremant D'Alsace Emotion
A blend of Muller Thurgau and Pinot Blanc - subtle, light, stony and earthy on the palate, bedazzling with persistent beads that shoot up from the cradle of the glass, sure to impress and enchant imbibers and on-lookers alike. $18.99/btl, $216.48/cs
A blend of Muller Thurgau and Pinot Blanc - subtle, light, stony and earthy on the palate, bedazzling with persistent beads that shoot up from the cradle of the glass, sure to impress and enchant imbibers and on-lookers alike. $18.99/btl, $216.48/cs
Agapē 2007 Riesling Osterberg Grand Cru
Superbly balanced, this lean and light Riesling tastes of baby white peaches and apricots. The wine's fruit and acid are sandwiched by a solid and firm stony quality that makes this baby more Mosel than Alsace - every aspect of the wine is streamlined, it's brilliant, and oh so tasty! $31.99/btl, $318.60/cs
Superbly balanced, this lean and light Riesling tastes of baby white peaches and apricots. The wine's fruit and acid are sandwiched by a solid and firm stony quality that makes this baby more Mosel than Alsace - every aspect of the wine is streamlined, it's brilliant, and oh so tasty! $31.99/btl, $318.60/cs
Sampler A with 1 of each bottle : $63.99
Judy's Picks for What to Take to the Party
During the holiday season we are frequently asked for "party wine" suggestions, for both party-givers and party-goers. In both cases the rules are roughly the same. This is not the time to haul out the precious gems from your cellar, or even to just come out with something you've been dying to try. Chances are nobody's going to get very serious about the wine, and if you're bring the bottle as a hostess gift, it may not even get opened while you're present. You want wines that are crowd pleaser, that are easy on the palate and the wallet. Here are three of my choices that fit the bill.
Capestrano 2007 Passerina
I could have used this wine back a few months ago when I did "grapes you never heard of!" Passerina, a.k.a. Biancame, is an ancient varietal widely planted on Italy's east-central coast; possibly related to Trebbiano, it produces a dry white wine with good structure and aromatic intensity of ripe fruit and hints of spice. Our producer is Peperoncino, the firm behind the Capestrano brand, named for the chili pepper that has become the main flavor element in the cuisine of the Abruzzi region, and the small village of Capestrano is in the heart of the Abruzzo region, in the foothills of the Gran Sasso Mountains, where warm days and cold nights provide ideal growing conditions for this native grape.
$10.99/btl;$109.90/cs
I could have used this wine back a few months ago when I did "grapes you never heard of!" Passerina, a.k.a. Biancame, is an ancient varietal widely planted on Italy's east-central coast; possibly related to Trebbiano, it produces a dry white wine with good structure and aromatic intensity of ripe fruit and hints of spice. Our producer is Peperoncino, the firm behind the Capestrano brand, named for the chili pepper that has become the main flavor element in the cuisine of the Abruzzi region, and the small village of Capestrano is in the heart of the Abruzzo region, in the foothills of the Gran Sasso Mountains, where warm days and cold nights provide ideal growing conditions for this native grape.
$10.99/btl;$109.90/cs
Laurel Glen 2006 Reds
Laurel Glen has three personae: as a producer of prestige Cabernet in Sonoma, of old-vine Cabernet and Malbec in Argentina (Terra Rossa), and (our favorite) Reds, a zippy field blend from California's central valley, affectionately dubbed by Laurel Glen owner and winemaker Patrick Campbell a "wine for the people." Usually predominantly Zinfandel, in this vintage the Zin is balanced equally with Petite Syrah and Carignane; the result is a rich spicy blend of dark raspberry fruit, exotic white pepper, with deep color and black pepper flavors. Complexity and heft at an extremely modest price point!
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Laurel Glen has three personae: as a producer of prestige Cabernet in Sonoma, of old-vine Cabernet and Malbec in Argentina (Terra Rossa), and (our favorite) Reds, a zippy field blend from California's central valley, affectionately dubbed by Laurel Glen owner and winemaker Patrick Campbell a "wine for the people." Usually predominantly Zinfandel, in this vintage the Zin is balanced equally with Petite Syrah and Carignane; the result is a rich spicy blend of dark raspberry fruit, exotic white pepper, with deep color and black pepper flavors. Complexity and heft at an extremely modest price point!
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Cantine Due Palme 2005 Salento Primitivo "Le Sciare"
This large cooperative deep in the heart of Apulia dates from 1989; it now comprises some 400 growers, all carefully chosen on the basis of their ownership of old vines in prestigious locations. They offer a comprehensive lineup of classic regional wines at a consistent quality level, vintage after vintage. Their Primitivo pulls down medals and awards vintage after vintage: round, ripe, and packed with lush berry fruit, this wine delivers at way more than its modest price point.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
This large cooperative deep in the heart of Apulia dates from 1989; it now comprises some 400 growers, all carefully chosen on the basis of their ownership of old vines in prestigious locations. They offer a comprehensive lineup of classic regional wines at a consistent quality level, vintage after vintage. Their Primitivo pulls down medals and awards vintage after vintage: round, ripe, and packed with lush berry fruit, this wine delivers at way more than its modest price point.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Samplers B, with 2 bottles of each wine: $48.99
Buon Natale!
Matthew's sampler is "from Italy, with love"
Lamberti NV Rosé Spumante
Established in 1964, the House of Lamberti stands on the shores of Lake Garda in Italy's Veneto region. Named for one of Verona's oldest families, this pioneer winery is dedicated to the restoration and development of the Veneto's classic wines, with a strong focus on premium quality and innovation. Their sparkling rosé is made from a blend of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, and Raboso; delicate light pink in hue, it has an elegant floral bouquet with fresh fruit flavors.
$15.99/btl;
Established in 1964, the House of Lamberti stands on the shores of Lake Garda in Italy's Veneto region. Named for one of Verona's oldest families, this pioneer winery is dedicated to the restoration and development of the Veneto's classic wines, with a strong focus on premium quality and innovation. Their sparkling rosé is made from a blend of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, and Raboso; delicate light pink in hue, it has an elegant floral bouquet with fresh fruit flavors.
$15.99/btl;
San Felice 2007 Vermentino
Dating from 1967, San Felice was acquired by Allianz Insurance in 1978; today it comprises a medieval village with a modern winery and cellar plus a world-class hotel and restaurant. The winery is especially known for its interest in viticultural experimentation, with a five-acre nursery-vineyard planted to 278 different vine varietals. Their Vermentino — a grape traditional to the Maremma, the coast of southern Tuscany — is clean and crisp with typical citrus lime flavors and a touch of minerality; the addition of 15% Sauvignon Blanc balances the bright fruit with bracing acidity.
$11.99/btl; $119.90/cs
Dating from 1967, San Felice was acquired by Allianz Insurance in 1978; today it comprises a medieval village with a modern winery and cellar plus a world-class hotel and restaurant. The winery is especially known for its interest in viticultural experimentation, with a five-acre nursery-vineyard planted to 278 different vine varietals. Their Vermentino — a grape traditional to the Maremma, the coast of southern Tuscany — is clean and crisp with typical citrus lime flavors and a touch of minerality; the addition of 15% Sauvignon Blanc balances the bright fruit with bracing acidity.
$11.99/btl; $119.90/cs
Aldegheri 2005 Il Groto
The Aldegheri family has been working in the heart of the Valpolicella area since 1956; brothers Lorenzo and Adriano and cousin Vincenzo — today joined by the next generation — combine tradition with innovation in both the winery and the vineyard. Il Groto reflects years of research and testing to find the right combination of grapes for this spectacular blend: Corvina predominates, but Rondinella, Dindarella, Croatina, and other native varietals play a part. The wine is full-bodied and harmonious, with a complex nose of berries and spices and notes of jam and ginger on the palate.
$18.99/btl; $189.90/cs
The Aldegheri family has been working in the heart of the Valpolicella area since 1956; brothers Lorenzo and Adriano and cousin Vincenzo — today joined by the next generation — combine tradition with innovation in both the winery and the vineyard. Il Groto reflects years of research and testing to find the right combination of grapes for this spectacular blend: Corvina predominates, but Rondinella, Dindarella, Croatina, and other native varietals play a part. The wine is full-bodied and harmonious, with a complex nose of berries and spices and notes of jam and ginger on the palate.
$18.99/btl; $189.90/cs
please check the store for sampler price
Tara's Feliz Navidad Sampler
Naia 2007 Rueda $15.99
Bodegas Naia is located about an hour north of Madrid in the province of Castilla y Lyon and within the Rueda D.O. region. Bodegas Naia's winery, Viña Sila, is situated along the southern bank of the Duero River in Rueda. The winery covers 40 hectares (about 96 acres) in the village of La Seca, which is referred to as Rueda's "Grand Cru" village by local growers. The climate here is described as "extreme continental", very dry with a low average annual rainfall. There are long, cold winters with frequent frost and short, hot summers. Bodegas Naia makes tank-fermented, bright, zesty, crisp whites like Verdejo that possess ripe stone fruit notes, honeysuckle aromas and balanced acidity.
Petalos 2006 Bierzo $24.99
Ruby-red. Vibrant red berry and cherry aromas are underscored by pungent minerality and rose; this smells like a great Chambolle-Musigny. Sweet raspberry and floral pastille flavors are enlivened by brisk acidity and gain sweetness with air. Very suave, focused and strikingly pure wine with superb complexity and poise.
Codorniu Brut Pinot Noir Rose $15.99
A pale cherry-red color with a bouquet is reminiscent of recently picked and deliciously ripe summer fruits -particularly raspberries and blackcurrants. An incredibly fresh taste with a very subtle citrus flavor. Abundant palate sensations, which provide a unique sensory experience that makes Codorníu Pinot Noir unforgettable.
2 each for $94.99
Bodegas Naia is located about an hour north of Madrid in the province of Castilla y Lyon and within the Rueda D.O. region. Bodegas Naia's winery, Viña Sila, is situated along the southern bank of the Duero River in Rueda. The winery covers 40 hectares (about 96 acres) in the village of La Seca, which is referred to as Rueda's "Grand Cru" village by local growers. The climate here is described as "extreme continental", very dry with a low average annual rainfall. There are long, cold winters with frequent frost and short, hot summers. Bodegas Naia makes tank-fermented, bright, zesty, crisp whites like Verdejo that possess ripe stone fruit notes, honeysuckle aromas and balanced acidity.
Petalos 2006 Bierzo $24.99
Ruby-red. Vibrant red berry and cherry aromas are underscored by pungent minerality and rose; this smells like a great Chambolle-Musigny. Sweet raspberry and floral pastille flavors are enlivened by brisk acidity and gain sweetness with air. Very suave, focused and strikingly pure wine with superb complexity and poise.
Codorniu Brut Pinot Noir Rose $15.99
A pale cherry-red color with a bouquet is reminiscent of recently picked and deliciously ripe summer fruits -particularly raspberries and blackcurrants. An incredibly fresh taste with a very subtle citrus flavor. Abundant palate sensations, which provide a unique sensory experience that makes Codorníu Pinot Noir unforgettable.
2 each for $94.99