For a printable PDF of this weekend’s notes, click here!
Clos Fornelli Vermentinu 2021
Origin: Corsica, France
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
Josée and her husband, Fabrice Couloumère, employ certified organic farming in their vineyards and have many grape varieties that are not commonly found elsewhere—like the white grapes Biancu Gentile and Genevose, and the red Minustellu—along with the more well-known (at least for those familiar with Corsican wine) Vermentinu, Sciaccarellu, and Nielluciu. These conscious farmers use nature as their guide for achieving their wine’s high quality and superb value. What a versatile grape Vermentinu is! It’s a truly talented transmitter of terroir and if you have a good one, well lucky you. It’s no surprise that much of this grape made in the world could be mistaken for a wine grown in Muscadet, Liguria, or an Albariño from Galicia, Spain. A lot of that has to do with its affinity to produce wonderfully salty, minerally and elegant wines on acidic soils. Even here with her fantastic soils and cool climate (at least for Corsica), Josée’s rendition of this terribly underrated grape is Corsican through and through; it’s the charm that makes it obvious. 100% Vermentinu (Vermentino)
Kanonkop ‘Kadette’ Pinotage 2022
Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Retail: $14.95 | Sale: $13.46
Kanonkop has the double advantage of both the history of being the greatest producer of pinotage as well as the winemaking skills of Abrie Beeslaar. Abrie might be the best winemaker in all of South Africa and his skill with this grape is unparalleled. Harvest 2022 was the latest in the past 25 years, about 2 weeks later than normal. The earlier part of the season was quite cool, with December showing lower maximum and minimum temperatures. January was more moderate with a couple of hot days. There were slow ripening conditions that resulted in concentrated fruit development and palate weight. This is the first wine from the 2022 vintage in the store and we are excited to share it with you. A full bodied, dry style of rosé with a delicate pale-pink color. Perfumed and aromatic notes of sweet melon, rose water and summer berries are present on the nose. The acidity is fresh and bright, and compliments the sweet fruit character of the Pinotage varietal. The palate displays intense flavors of red cherries, red apples, melon and raspberries. 100% Pinotage
Domaine Finot ‘Turk Mountain’ Tannat 2019
Origin: Afton, Virginia
Retail: $29.95 | Sale: $26.96
Matthieu Finot has been the winemaker at King Family estate for the last 20 years. This is a small side project where he works for the Tallard family tending a small vineyard at the top of Afton Mountain. He works with the wine in a new approach with whole-cluster, wild-yeast fermentations all without sulfur, fining or filtering. This is a novel expression of the Tannat grape. Without the regular bold and tannin focused intensity this is a more nuanced approach to Tannat. Dark berry aromas and a hint of forest floor are well integrated into a velvety finish. 100% Tannat