R. Dutoit Chardonnay 2020
Origin: Pouilly-Fuissé, France
Retail: $14.95 | Sale: $13.46
Since 1983, the Dutoit family has crafted exceptional wines from the Pouilly-Fuissé region, an area in Burgundy considered to make some of the best values for white Burgundy. The region encompasses the area on the west coast of France, north of the famous Bordeaux wine region. The climate here is maritime, influenced by the presence of the Atlantic, which moderates temperatures throughout the year, leading to milder winters and cooler summers. High sunshine hours and moderate rainfall make for a good environment for viticulture. The vineyards are planted on calcareous clay soils with a high proportion of limestone. These limestone soils retain water effectively, hydrating the vines throughout the growing season. Produced exclusively from old vine Chardonnay grapes, they tend to be slightly richer in style than wines from further north due to the warmer weather. A very approachable Chardonnay that's well-rounded in flavors of white peach, green apple, ripe pear and spice notes. The palate is lively and the finish is pretty and harmonious. 100% Chardonnay
Terrebonne Estate Pinot Noir 2022
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
Oregon is prized for its world-class Pinot Noir. The wines here are nuanced and extremely well-balanced with a great combination of fruit and acidity that allows it to pair perfectly with so many dishes and cuisines. Terrebonne Estate is protected from cold Pacific Ocean air and rainstorms on the west by the Coast Range mountains. Overall, the climate here boasts a long, gentle growing season: warm summers with cool evenings, a long and lovely autumn with the first rainfalls of winter amid plenty of sunny days, and mild winters followed by long springs. The unique geography and climate of this region led winegrowing pioneers to plant the first Pinot Noir grapes in Oregon more than 50 years ago. The grapes for Terrebonne Estate are grown in soils consisting primarily of decomposed granite. After careful selection and picking the grapes are cold soaked for 2 days followed by a gentle fermentation and aging on French oak barrels. This wine pairs well with salmon, roasted chicken, grilled vegetables or as an aperitif. Fruit forward with complex flavors of plum and raspberry. The palate is well-structured with velvety tannins that lead into an elegant finish and ends with a hint of pepper. 100% Pinot Noir
Domaine Bessa Valley ‘Enira’ 2018
Origin: Ognianovo, Bulgaria
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
Located about 150 km southeast of Sofia, the Bessa Valley winery occupies a stunning setting between Bulgaria’s lofty Rhodope Mountains and the Maritsa River. It was here that Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of several esteemed Bordeaux estates including Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, found the perfect spot to create Bordeaux-style wines from the exceptional local terroir. The Neipperg family has been growing vines and making wines for 800 years. Bessa Valley’s 140 hectares of vines benefit from hot, sunny summers with temperatures moderated by the nearby mountains and excellent clay limestone soils. Respect for the terroir naturally carries over to the cellar. In order to retain their inherent goodness, the grapes are handpicked and not crushed. This particular cuvée is a great introduction to their house style, blending plenty of Merlot with Syrah and a dash of Petit Verdot. Aromas of forest fruits, plum, cocoa, and vanilly on the nose, with silky tannins and a lasting finish. 66% Merlot, 20% Syrah, 14% Petit Verdot