8/10/18 Soave & The South of France
FRIDAY SIPS
Soave & The South of France
Today August 10 from 1:30 - 6:00
(**note earlier finish time**)
Soave & The South of France
Today August 10 from 1:30 - 6:00
(**note earlier finish time**)
Drop by this Friday to taste new arrivals from one of the apex producers of Soave, Pra as well as two delicious reds (Bandol & Lirac) from the South of France. All about deliciousness this week, come in and have a taste with us!
2015 BASTIDE BLANCHE
BANDOL ROUGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
BANDOL ROUGE
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Alongside luminaries such as Pradeaux, Gros Nore or Pibarnon, the Bronzo Brothers at Bastide Blanche make some of the most compelling wines in the entire Bandol appellation. This is our favorite Bandol Rose producer but they are even more compelling with their red wines.
We have stated that 2015 is a top vintage in the South of France, however, Bandol seems to have taken it a bit further and this one proves that the Bronzos don’t play around when it comes to delivering superb, soulful wine. 78% Mourvedre, 16% Grenache, 4% Syrah, and 2% Cinsault, think of a Mediterranean Barolo when it comes to this offering. A haunting and aromatic nose of smoked meat, rose petal and sea salt combine with a user-friendly palate of assorted ripe plums, spice and peppercorns. The wine possesses a very long finish even though its tannins are supple and fairly well rounded. Nevertheless, this fairly boisterous and rotund wine requires, or better put, will truly shine with such hearty red meat entrees as grilled lamb, sausages or beef kabobs. Drink over the next 10-12 years.
We have stated that 2015 is a top vintage in the South of France, however, Bandol seems to have taken it a bit further and this one proves that the Bronzos don’t play around when it comes to delivering superb, soulful wine. 78% Mourvedre, 16% Grenache, 4% Syrah, and 2% Cinsault, think of a Mediterranean Barolo when it comes to this offering. A haunting and aromatic nose of smoked meat, rose petal and sea salt combine with a user-friendly palate of assorted ripe plums, spice and peppercorns. The wine possesses a very long finish even though its tannins are supple and fairly well rounded. Nevertheless, this fairly boisterous and rotund wine requires, or better put, will truly shine with such hearty red meat entrees as grilled lamb, sausages or beef kabobs. Drink over the next 10-12 years.
2016 MARCOUX LIRAC ROUGE
'LA LORENTINE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'LA LORENTINE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Located just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, many Rhône players have known for eons the superb price/quality rapport of Lirac's wines. In fact, we are now seeing a number of famous Châteauneuf producers such as Domaine de Marcoux obtain holdings, vindicating the potential of the area's terroir. For many years we have featured this estate’s mighty impressive Chateauneuf-du-Pape and their Lirac lives up to all of the grand vin and is more than just a mere little brother. The Armeniers bought this property in 2001 and it took until 2004 for them to move it to their organic principles when they released their first vintage. Now this wine is truly one of the stars of the entire appellation!
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% each Mourvèdre and Carignan from red clay, stony sand and pebbly soils on a limestone couch, buffered by large red galet roule stones. Overflowing aromas of strawberry, red licorice, herbes des provence, grenadine and plum-pepper sit up nicely in the glass and lead into a voluptuous, dry, structured and sinister beauty sort of texture. Lots of density and expansion with the virtual seamlessness of this vintage showing exquisitely. Astonishing value from one of Chateauneuf’s greats! Drink over the next 10-12 years.
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% each Mourvèdre and Carignan from red clay, stony sand and pebbly soils on a limestone couch, buffered by large red galet roule stones. Overflowing aromas of strawberry, red licorice, herbes des provence, grenadine and plum-pepper sit up nicely in the glass and lead into a voluptuous, dry, structured and sinister beauty sort of texture. Lots of density and expansion with the virtual seamlessness of this vintage showing exquisitely. Astonishing value from one of Chateauneuf’s greats! Drink over the next 10-12 years.
2017 PRA SOAVE CLASSICO 'OTTO'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE
These days in Soave there are many great players but at the top of the heap in my opinion is Pra. After quite a long absence, these wines are back in our area and we are excited to have them available.
The Otto is a great way to kick down the door into your Pra experience. 30-60 year old vines and aged 4-5 months in stainless steel tanks. Gorgeous aromatics seduce with notes of mineral, lemon, and white flowers. Bone dry, excruciatingly refreshing powdery citrus scents shine and not to mention even more mineral and a touch of mushroom and earth lingering beneath the surface. Very complex, and just plain fun to drink, this is one of our absolute favorite Italian white wines and it has enough substance to pair with fresh crab.
The Otto is a great way to kick down the door into your Pra experience. 30-60 year old vines and aged 4-5 months in stainless steel tanks. Gorgeous aromatics seduce with notes of mineral, lemon, and white flowers. Bone dry, excruciatingly refreshing powdery citrus scents shine and not to mention even more mineral and a touch of mushroom and earth lingering beneath the surface. Very complex, and just plain fun to drink, this is one of our absolute favorite Italian white wines and it has enough substance to pair with fresh crab.
2016 PRA SOAVE CLASSICO 'STAFORTE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
The Staforte is from the top of the Soave hill and from four excellent sites (Froscà, Froscarino, Ponsara and Val dell’Acqua). Aged on its lees in tank with batonnage for a minimum of 6 months and then for at least 12 more months in bottle.
Essence of the region, this spot-on interpretation of Soave is a mineral monster with kisses of honey, lemon and pineapple and sea-shore scents. In the mouth it is suave and sophisticated with plenty of voltage. The minerality picks up in the driving, flavorful mid-palate and keeps on going to the livewire, brisk finish. A great autumnal wine to drink with a vegetarian risotto spiked with chanterelles.
Essence of the region, this spot-on interpretation of Soave is a mineral monster with kisses of honey, lemon and pineapple and sea-shore scents. In the mouth it is suave and sophisticated with plenty of voltage. The minerality picks up in the driving, flavorful mid-palate and keeps on going to the livewire, brisk finish. A great autumnal wine to drink with a vegetarian risotto spiked with chanterelles.
