Join us for a complimentary wine tasting this weekend, hosted by Juliet & Kelly!
This week we highlight a few Virginia wines - a Petit Manseng from Granite Heights and a delightful Touriga from Barren Ridge Vineyards. We also will be sampling a lovely Etna Bianco,
a biodynamic Sangiovese and more!
Starting at 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday, all bottles will be available for purchase at 10% off retail price.
Find a printable PDF of this week’s tasting notes here.
Trione Sauvignon Blanc River Ranch 2018
Origin: California
Retail: $22.95 | Sale: $20.65
The Trione family has farmed in Sonoma County for three generations. In 2005 they established Trione Winery, designed specifically for crafting small lots of wine from their estate grapes grown in the Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. River Road Ranch is a jewel in the Russian River Valley Appellation. It is 115 acres in the rolling hills of the valley at a location where the river makes a westerly turn towards the Pacific Ocean. Their well-drained soils are perfect for growing world class Sauvignon Blanc and this wine is the perfect example. White peaches, nectarines and mandarin zest are the first hints on the nose. The acidity and fruit expression on the palate are in perfect balance. This wine is mouth-watering and leaves one craving fresh oysters, sourdough baguettes, or aged gouda.
Sauvignon Blanc
Nicosia Vulka Etna Blanco 2017
Origin: Italy
Retail: $22.95 | Sale: $20.65
Vulkà Etna Bianco is a blend of indigenous varietals that give an authentic expression of the terroir of Etna, and it is distinguished by its extraordinary freshness and elegance. The volcanic origin and the altitude of the vineyards give this wine a great minerality and unique character. Delicately scented, this blend offers subtle aromas of yellow wildflower, orchard fruit and wild herb. Mirroring the nose, the crisp, linear palate offers yellow apple, Bartlett pear and a light salty note alongside bright acidity.
Carricante | Catarratto
Granite Heights Petit Manseng 2015
Origin: Virginia
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.95
Granite Heights is a small, boutique winery run by husband and wife team, Luke and Toni Kilyk in Warrenton, VA. Luke and Toni do all of the vineyard work themselves, on top of both working full-time jobs. It takes endless passion, drive, and commitment to pull that off and make the quality of wines that they are producing. This Petit Manseng expresses tropical fruits and pineapple on the nose with a balanced acid finish. It’s fermented and aged completely in stainless. Pair with a variety of dishes including pork, chicken, turkey, or lamb.
Petit Manseng
Aldo di Giacomi 'Zahir' Rosso Piceno 2018
Origin: Italy
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.95
Though a relatively newly formed winery, the di Giacomi winery began by purchasing old vineyard parcels downtrodden by decades of mass production, and spending several years revitalizing them with biodynamic farming practices. Since their first vintage in 2007, the winery has been a leader in natural vineyard practices for the region and has helped bring more attention to smaller producers and their success amid the larger companies. This 100% Sangiovese is aged in a mix of new and used barrels with an intense aroma of dark fruits. The use of native yeasts also brings out a gamey. On the palate there is a touch of texture with an ample amount of acidity. Pair with cured meats and hearty cheeses.
Sangiovese
Biodynamic.
La Remise de la Mordoree Rouge 2017
Origin: France
Retail: $23.95 | Sale: $21.55
Domaine de la Mordoree is located in the town of Tavel, in the Southern Rhone Valley. In 1986, the brothers Christophe and Fabrice Delorme decided to dedicate themselves to their passion for wine. They started their own estate with the objective to produce the best wines in each appellation while preserving the environment. This sulfite-free vintage has floral aromas with hints blueberry and blackcurrant. Pair with red meats with sauce, grilled meats, charcuterie, and cheeses.
Marselan | Merlot | Grenache
Organic
Barren Ridge Vineyard Touriga 2017
Origin: Virginia
Retail: $26.95 | Sale: $24.25
Barren Ridge Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. This medium bodied wine displays floral aromas of bergamot followed by darker aromas of leather and fruit compote. Generous fruit on the palate of cherry and raspberry transform to a delightful herbal and smoky finish.
Touriga
Pommeau de Normandie NV
Origin: France
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.95
Coming from a charming small Norman town in the Eure Valley, the The Calvados Morin estate has been in operation since the late 1800’s. This wine’s caramel flavor makes it a popular digestif, especially with crepes and chocolate-based dishes. Unfermented apple juice is mixed with Calvados brandy before aging for 30 months in oak barrels.