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Quinta Do Crasto White 2018
Origin: Douro Valley, Portugal
Retail: $14.95 | Sale: $13.45
Nestled on a privileged location in the Douro, Quinta do Crasto is one of the oldest winemaking estates in the region – the name ‘Crasto’ is derived from the Latin word ’castrum‘, which means ‘Roman fort’. The first known references to Quinta do Crasto can be traced back to 1615, long before the Douro became the world’s first Demarcated Wine Region in 1756. Located in the heart of the Cima Corgo, Quinta do Crasto is officially classified as an ‘A’ grade vineyard property. The estate covers 335 acres of predominantly southern-facing slopes, extending from the banks of the Douro river up to an altitude of nearly 600 meters. One hundred and eighty-five acres of vineyards are planted primarily on terraces carved from schist, the characteristic slate-like bedrock of the Douro that allows vine roots to penetrate deep into the ground in search of water.
Made from traditional Douro white grape varieties: Viosinho, Rabigato and Gouveio, this wine is a fresh and aromatic wine with a modern style. Citrus aromas with elegant floral notes are perfectly integrated. Good balance, crisp freshness and a pleasant length. Pale lemon in color, with lively aromas of orange blossom and citrus fruit. Fresh and elegant on the palate, it shows excellent volume and texture, and pleasant, well-integrated notes of minerality. 15% of the blend was fermented and aged in used French oak barrels, with occasional lees stirring for three months. A seductive wine that finishes fresh, balanced and persistent.
40% Viosinho | 30% Gouveio | 30% Rabigato
Il Molino di Grace 'Il Volano' 2018
Origin: Tuscany, Italy
Retail: $15.95 | Sale: $14.35
Located in the heart of the Chianti region, Il Molino di Grace is an alluring and authentic capture of Chianti Classico soil, grapes, climate, tradition and innovation. The winery of Il Molino di Grace – the ‘windmill of grace’ – stands upon 20 hectares of vineyards that have been producing traditional Chianti Classico wines for over 350 years, and is complete with an historic 19th century windmill and world-class sculptures. The winery’s active founders, Frank Grace and his two sons Tim & Daniel, instilled and infused the science and technology of modern organic wine production with the artful tradition of old world wine making. Il Molino di Grace celebrates this delicate balance of creativity and innovation – the rocky, sloping south facing fields that bear the Sangiovese fruit, the cellar produces it, the artwork showcases it, and the wines embody it.
Fun and youthful, Il Volano matures in steel and bottle so as to maintain its freshness and fragrance. Its appealing bouquet of cherry fruit and wild flowers preludes the well balanced palate. Smooth tannins, zesty flavors of red currant and licorice; a perfect match for pizza and pasta.
100% Sangiovese
Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs NV
Origin: New Mexico
Retail: $19.95 | Sale $17.95
Gilbert Gruet founder of Gruet Winery was born in Bethon, France in 1931. In 1952, Gilbert , along with his wife Danielle, dreamt of producing fine quality Champagne. Gilbert followed his heart and in 1967 created the U.V.C.B. (Union Vinicole des Coteaux de Bethon), a co-op in the village of Bethon. In 1983, the Gruet family was traveling through the Southwestern part of the United States, and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had successfully planted vineyards In Engle, near the town of Truth or Consequence, 170 miles south of Albuquerque. The land was inexpensive and the opportunity golden. In 1984, Gilbert Gruet, whose Champagne house, Gruet et Fils had produced fine Champagne in Bethon, France, since 1952, made the decision to plant an experimental vineyard, exclusively planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. His children, winemaker Laurent and daughter Nathalie, then relocated to the great state of New Mexico to begin their American wine making adventure.
The rich and toasty character of the Blanc de Noirs is balanced and superb. Aged for a two-year minimum, the palate is developed and shows rich complex flavors. The amazing berries aromas and the creamy texture play a leading role and create a great finesse. A fine salmon color, aggressive mousse, and lovely fruity wine with plenty of immediate charm and toasty aromas. There is also an explosive juicy flavor of raspberry.
100% Chardonnay