Von Winning Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Origin: Pfalz, Germany
Retail: $25.95 | Sale: $23.36
The fact that this estate is crafting some of the very best dry wines in Germany is no accident, rather a result of dedicated winemaker Stephan Attman’s commitment to both dedicated cultivation and meticulous work in the cellar. Von Winning maintains some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs vineyards scattered across Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg. Von Winning practices organic and sustainable viticulture and in that line, Attman describes his winemaking as “not doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.” The estate’s premium wines are treated with a minimalist approach and with the highest respect in the cellar. Gentle clarification, natural and spontaneous fermentation and the abandonment of fining agents create wines with a distinctive indigenous and very elegant style. Pumping the juice or wine is never necessary in the gravity flow winery, allowing for minimal, and gentle vinification. The Sauvignon Blanc shows off balanced minerality and floral notes, with flavors of lychee, green apple and kiwi as well as a perfect balance between acidity and concentrated fruit.
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Lightwell Survey 'Strange Collapse’ Rose 2020
Origin: Madison, Virginia
Retail: $24.95 | Sale: $22.46
Lightwell Survey is based in central Virginia, and focuses a shining new light on the traditional wine-scape. Creating small batches of lively reds, dense whites and unique combinations of the two come with an exuberance and sense of collective individuality. Started in the fall of 2015. The wines merge the traditional and the experimental. Formed by partners Sebastian Zutant, Ben Jordan and Jay Zutant, the team recently expanded to include Julian Caustrita and John DeNapoli. The nose is energetic and also more subtle this year. The fresh strawberry and watermelon rind are ever present and appealing. The subtlety continues in the glass as well. The soft river stone minerality makes for an easy delicious wine with just enough weight and acid to let you know its rose season.
49% Vidal Blanc, 31%Petit Manseng, 8% Chambourcin, 8% Noiret, 4% Traminette
Jean-Christophe Mandard Touraine ‘Les P’tites Notes’ 2017
Origin: Loire, France
Retail: $14.95 | Sale: $13.46
Representing the fourth generation of winemakers in the Domaine Jean-Christophe Mandard farms 27 hectares of beautiful land in Loire Valley above the village of Mareuil-sur-Cher. After inheriting the winery in 1993, Jean-Christophe makes a range of different wines, including an elegant Gamay de Touraine, but his strength lies in the purity and freshness of his hand harvested old vine Sauvignon Blanc. His deep clay soil avoids the heaviness and loss of aroma which can affect water-stressed sandier soils north of the river. Pinot Noir’s finesse blends perfectly with the delicacy of Gamay, the subtle and velvety tannins mixed with aromas of undergrowth and leather give this wine a mischievous character.
60% Pinot Noir / 40% Gamay