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There is a quiet corner of Italy near the Slovenian border where amazing food and wine is crafted. I was so ready to write this off as waaay overpriced pinot grigio. But wow, the depth of character here is remarkable. Gorgeous minerality, round but bracing acidity with flavors of honey dew, key lime, and white mountain wild flowers. More heft than the high altitude versions but so complex among the sea of plain over produced ones everywhere.
Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible.
(Holding the #1 spot)
First lets say that this is Not ChocoVine. This wine is actually made with eighty five percent Merlot and than has natural chocolate cream added to the mix. This is the wine for anyone looking for sweet red or the chocolate lover at home. Great gift for the holidays. (behind by 16 bottles)
My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time. (behind by 5 bottles)
A beautifully balanced Nebbiolo. Aromas of dried violets, earth and hints of anise. The palate yields more savory earthiness, dark cherry, pomegranate, subtle notes from oak. Enough tannin to wait a few years, but enough acid to approach now. We envision a glass of this next to a piece of roast lamb. (behind by 4 bottles)
From vineyards with a view of the bay comes this well balanced, lively and delicious Pinot Noir. A easy drinking, medium-bodied wine showing off some rare and black pepper spiced Hungarian oak to balance the raspberry aromas and flavors.
Do you love Burgundy, but not the price tag attached to it? This spatburgunder from Baden gives you a stellar example of what pinot can be outside of France. Red fruits and floral notes accompanied by that earthy, forest floor, mushroom that Burgundy is known for. Beautifully balanced, definitely one that should have a place at your table.
A wonderful classic CA Cab with solid structure from the altitude and Hungarian oak. Reserved and dark on the nose with aromas of blackberries, hints of black licorice and coff ee. Really nice and elegant. Touch on the masculine side with no jammy, jelly jar junk here. Wonderfully different.
The porron wine pitcher is a festive way to serve wine. Either use as a decanter or just pick up the porron and tilt it so that a thin stream of wine pours directly into your mouth! It takes some skill, but it is fun at a party to see how well you and your friends master the technique. Each porron holds 1 liter, which is a perfect size to hold a bottle of wine.
