Domaine Philemon Perlé Nature 2021
Gaillac, France
Retail: $12.95 | Sale: $11.66 Domaine Philemon is located in a small village in the northeast quadrant of the Gaillac appellation. The Vieules family have had a vineyard in Villeneuve since 1804. Today the vineyard is run by Mathieu Vieules, who grows wheat, sunflowers, and grapes in equal proportions, all farmed organically.
The Perlé is 100% Loin de l'Oeil, a grape that is unique and native to Southwest France, and this wine is FRESH. By preserving some of the natural CO2 that occurs during vinification, Vieules creates a mineral, citrusy, ever-so-slightly funky wine with a zippy acidity that almost feels effervescent. This organic, natural, and biodynamic wine is pretty much everything we want out of a white wine, and the way Mathieu Vieules respects and cultivates his land and his wines is inspiring- and well reflected in all of his bottles. If you're in the mood for something delicious and entirely unique, this is most definitely the bottle for you. 100% Loin de L’oeil
Château Jouclary Tradition 2020
Origin: Languedoc, France
Retail: $11.95 | Sale: $10.76
Château Jouclary is run by Robert and Pascal Gianesini in Cabardès, an appellation on the southern slopes of Montagne Noir just outside the medieval, walled city of Carcassonne. The Cabardès appellation is a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, both in terms of climate, but also of grape varietals, where a minimum 40% of the blend must be "Atlantic'' grapes (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Franc) and 40% "Mediterranean" grapes (Syrah or Grenache). The Château Jouclary Tradition is a blend of 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 20% Syrah, and 20% Grenache grown on stony hillside soils. Each grape is vinified separately, macerated for 30 days, then blended and matured in concrete vats for 12 months. The wine is very aromatic with a mix of fresh red and black fruits combined with a lovely spicy undertone wrapped in a medium body, easy drinking package. A great table wine with just about any meal during the week, it is also a homerun with cheeseburgers. 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache
Elizabeth Spencer Grenache 2019
Origin: Mendocino, California
Retail: $27.95 | Sale: $25.16
Sourced from two vineyards, separated by only a few miles. Both sites enjoyed a measured, uneventful growing season and were harvested within days of each other. They worked closely with the growers to regulate crop size, allowing each vine to carry only as many clusters as could perfectly ripen. The grapes were de-stemmed and moved to a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel fermenters. Employing a low temperature fermentation in order to extract as much of the bright fruit flavors and aromatics as possible. The wine from both vineyard sites fermented separately for 10 months until the final wine was blended and returned to barrels for two months prior to bottling. Dark in color, this grenache delivers exotic and alluring aromas of fresh raspberries and orange peel. The wine is lively and light on the palate, with an acidity that refreshes and supports the fruit flavors from the front to the back. Black cherry, plum, and a subtle zestiness linger on the finish. 100% Grenache