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Domaine Leon Boesch
“Les Collines” 2020
Origin: Alsace, France
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
Domaine Leon Boesch is an 11th generation, biodynamic, family winery located in the heart of Alsace. While not new to the market, this year is the second for their Edelzwicker. The term “Edelzwicker” dates back to 1644, when the so-called noble varieties in Alsace were differentiated from those judged to be of lesser quality. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Muscat fell into the noble category, while Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Chasselas and Auxerrois were relegated. Historically, this style of wine was made from only the noble varieties until 1970, when the term “Edelzwicker” was deregulated, and today it is used more out of nostalgia than a legislative requirement. The 2020 Leon Boesch “Les Collines” is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewurztraminer. Approximately 30% of the final wine is blended with the lees from all the cuvées in the cellar which means that there is some of every wine from the domaine in this vibrant bottling! Candied lemon and racy acidity make your mouth water for savory broths, white meats, and starchy winter dishes.
Paul Direder Zweiglet Rose 2021
Origin: Wagram, Austria
Retail: $11.95 | Sale: $10.75
The Direder farm is located in the village of Mitterstockstall in the Wagram region. The Wagram roughly consists of a 25-mile long ridge between the towns of Krems and Tulln with soils made up of ancient gravel sediments from the Danube River as well as layers of loess that formed in the ice age which cover the substrate of marine deposits and river gravels. The name Wagram comes from "Wogenrain" meaning "shore". Paul Direder is just the current caretaker of the Direder Farm which dates back to 1849 with Paul's great-great-grandfather Leopold. Paul has farmed sustainably since he took over the farm and in 2020 he decided to work towards organic certification. This rose of Zweigelt will be perfect poolside in Summer and delightful at parties all year long. Utterly delicious with zesty cherry and red berry fruit on the nose and then generous flavors of bright cherry and raspberry and lifting touch of orange peel. Finishes round and crisp with cherry, red berry and herb notes lingering. Mouthwatering, refreshing, fun!
Ercole Barbera del Monferrato 2020
Origin: Piemonte, Italy
Retail: $14.95 | Sale: $13.46
Ercole, whose English translation is Hercules, is only made possible by a generations-old cooperative of local growers in the Monferrato area. The cooperative behind Ercole works predominantly with old vines ranging from 30 to 50 years old. All participating growers adhere to the European Union rule for sustainable farming known as lotta integrata, or lutte raisonnée, though many are now certified organic. Monferrato ranks among the most historic grape-growing areas of Piedmont and is the confirmed birthplace of the Barbera grape. Weston Hoard and his British Labrador, Ercole, spent years working together in the vineyards and cellars of Piedmont. This wine is a tribute to Weston's dependable four-legged companion in Italy and its production was born out of Weston's desire to bring everyday value wines from Piedmont to America. Uniquely packaged in one-liter bottles, this is a crowd-pleaser with blackberry notes, a touch of earth and refreshing acidity.