For A Printable PDF Of This Weekend’s Notes, Click Here
Pere Ventura Cava Primer Reserva Brut NV
Origin: Spain
Retail: $18.95 | Sale: $17.05
Pere Ventura Family Wine Estates was established in 1992, founded by fourth-generation winemaker Pere Ventura in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Barcelona). They craft amazing sparkling wines under the DO Cava designation and they're primarily known for their premium Cavas, which are recognized worldwide for their top-notch quality and prestige. They're one of only eight exclusive producers approved to make Cava de Paraje Calificado, which is an elite classification for wines from a unique, exceptional vineyard. This particular Cava is incredibly aromatic and bursting with freshness. This sparkler is perfectly balanced with consistency and delicacy. It’s a super cheerful and energetic wine that's perfect for any occasion thanks to its lovely blend of fruitiness, freshness, and subtly complex aromas.
Cordero di Montezemolo Arneis 2024
Origin: Italy
Retail: $25.95 | Sale: $23.35
Since 1340 and throughout 18 generations, the Cordero di Montezemolo estate has been owned by the same family. The members of the Falletti family from Rodello, La Morra, Serralunga, and Borgomale exchanged part of their hilltop properties for other properties in the fertile, irrigated plain between Savigliano and Saluzzo. They retained some of their land in the Alba area because it was easily cultivated, while for their own tables, they jealously guarded Monfalletto, which they considered their most prized vineyard. In 2013, they chose to take another step forward and adopt an organic approach to managing their vineyards, leading them to organic certification. Arneis, while not a household name here in the US, is the most respected white variety of the Piemonte and a tradition in the Alba area. Made with grapes from various distinctive localities between La Morra, Alba, Guarene and Castagnito; a perfect combination of different but interconnected expressions of this grape. This example delivers complexity, memorable richness, and a perfect balance courtesy of zesty acidity, offering notes of dried chamomile, green apple and ripe peach. Vinified in stainless steel tanks, it ferments at a low temperature for several weeks and rests on its lees until late winter, when it is bottled to consume a few weeks later.
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2023
Origin: Italy
Retail: $25.95 | Sale: $23.35
Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery located in the Brunello region of Tuscany. This award-winning estate was founded on the philosophy of blending tradition with innovation, and is recognized as a pioneer in elevating the standards of Italian winemaking. The property is a smattering of single vineyards encompassing over three dozen varying subsoils. The estate is renowned for its clonal research that allows noble grape varieties to thrive in their optimal terroir, creating a consistently beautiful wine. The nose is ripe with black cherry, candied orange peel and dark chocolate, with undertones of crushed rock and top soil for depth. The tannins are polished and supple and the acidity provides a freshness that makes this a great food wine.
Vall Llach Porrera Red 2022
Origin: Spain
Retail: $76.95 | Sale: $69.25
From its founding in the early 1990s by famous Spanish singer Lluís Llach and notary Enric Costa, Vall Llach winemaking has been governed by a commitment to rigor and quality. The winery lies in the tiny village of Porerra, in southern Catalonia, in the highly-acclaimed D.O.Q. Priorat. Here, the magnificent century-old vineyard estates of Vall Llach are home to Cariñena (Carignan) and Garnacha (Grenache) vines that are 60 to 90 years old. Old vines naturally produce low yields, and Vall Llach reduces yields even further through careful vineyard management for densely concentrated wines. Vineyards climb steep slate hillsides, receiving optimum sun exposure and beneficial water deprivation, further concentrating the fruit. This specific red varietal is 50% Garnacha and 50% Cariñena fermented in a concrete egg. The color alone is enticing with deep purple hues, but dark aromas like plum and violet pull you in with black cherries, black currants, granite, and chocolate on the palate. There is body, depth, and earthiness that is all well-integrated and gorgeous.