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Andrea Felici Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2019
Origin: Le Marche, Italy
Retail $19.95| Sale $17.95
The winery of Andrea Felici is located in the Marche region, between Apiro and Cupramontana, the heart of the homeland of Verdicchio. Nestled on a hill at the foot of Mount San Vicino at an altitude of 516 meters above sea level, Azienda Andrea Felici possesses a wonderful landscape; a green valley with tilted slopes, blanketed by beautiful woods and vines, marked by the high peaks of Gran Sasso and Maiella to the south and Mount Catria to the north. The climate is dry, with average annual temperatures in the mid 50s and a constant breeze throughout the year. This is the southwest corner of the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi appellation. The area is further inland, with more limestone, a bit less influence from the Adriatic Sea, and temperature swings between day and night that are more drastic. This winery practices organic viticulture with certification. And the the 15- hectare estate is run by Leopardo Felici, whose passion for and dedication to Verdicchio are immediately obvious, as is his broad knowledge of the wine world; before taking over the estate in 2007, his father insisted he gain more wine experience, so Leo worked as sommelier in London at Gordon Ramsey's Savoy and in Florence at Enoteca Pinchiorri.
The fruit is from 10 hectares of various vineyards on the Felici farm, from 10- to 40-year-old vines. Leo’s vineyard site at 600m is the highest in the appellation. About half the harvest is macerated a few days on the skins during fermentation. Malolactic fermentation does not take place. Marked by incredible purity of fruit and pronounced minerality; these are high quality wines that are immediately pleasurable and approachable, but which are also characterized by longevity and the purity of the Verdicchio grape.
100% Verdicchio
Fleuraison Rosé de Rosée Brut NV
Origin: Cote d’Or, France
Retail $12.95 | Sale $11.65
The tempranillo come from La Mancha in Spain and is harvested and carried to France for vinification by the winemakers of Badet Clément & Co. The goal is to get a wine as fresh and fruity as possible with a very good acidity and no malolactic fermentation. A soft red color, the brilliance of a fine bubble increases the vividness. Fine perfumes of flowers (the name "Fleuraison" means blossoming). Aromas of fresh red fruit, both strawberry and red currant and hints of citrus and tangerine. This is a well-balanced wine with a lingering finish. This rosé sparkling wine is a perfect pre-dinner drink, but can also be enjoyed with cheese plates for the end of a meal.
100% Tempranillo
Christophe Avi Buzet 2017
Origin: Southwest of Bordeaux, France
Retail $15.95 | Sale $14.35
Upstream from Bordeaux along the Garonne River lie the vineyards of Buzet, just north of Armagnac and southwest of Cahors. Buzet was recognized as an Appellation in 1973, as its clay limestone soils are ideal for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Christophe tends to these vines with the utmost respect for biodiversity of the terroir and this cuvée is vinified without oak. 2017 was a good year. The spring was sunny and sprinkled with some rain. The summer was a little drier than the previous one, and harvest was very pleasant. You can feel the season’s slight dryness in the mouth, as the wines are warmer and have a little more substance. Super graceful. Haunting, tertiary rich red berry, coffee bean, tobacco leaf. The 2017 offers a nose of robust fruits mixed with a smell of leather, foretelling a complex wine with great finesse. The delicate mouthfeel with its lightly expressive tannins and long finish promise a few years of keeping.
80% Merlot | 20% Cabernet Sauvignon