VEGA TOLOSA, ’11 PINOS’ BOBAL 2021, CASTILLA-LA MANCHA, SPAIN $15.99 (MIXED) Vega Tolosa was founded in 1905 in Mancuhula in the eastern part of Castilla-la Mancha. Today it is run by Juan Miguel Tolosa, the third generation of the family. This region is home of one of Spain’s most interesting and under-appreciated red varieties: Bobal. Cherry red with violet flecks. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, red currant mingle with a strong mineral component. Subtle balsamic and spicy nuances complete the aromas. On the palate it is fresh and fleshy with intensity. A very seductive wine, perfect for rich meals on a certain special day…
VALE DO BOMFIM, VINHO TINTO 2020, DOURO, PORTUGAL $14.99 Produced at the Symington family’s high elevation Douro Valley vineyards that traditionally supply the renowned Port house Dow. Essentially a non-fortified ‘Port’ wine, the grapes: 40% Touriga Nacional 30% Tinta Roriz, 20% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinta Barroca, all come from the same vineyards Dow uses to make its famed ports, but this should not take away from the wine, think of it as seeing behind the curtain to the heart of one of the most unique, timeless and distinctive styles of wine in the world! Aromas of bright red cherry with a violet floral undertone. The palate brings in blackberry fruit with a black pepper spice. All balanced by fresh acidity and medium tannins.
BOUCHARD AÎNÉ ET FILS, ‘HÉRITAGE DU CONSEILLER’ PINOT NOIR 2023, FRANCE $14.99 (MIXED) This wine is an homage to Paul Bouchard (1814-1898), known as the Grand Conseiller, Paul was both a politician and a visionary, he served as the mayor of Beaune, not only was he involved in the city affairs but in those of the vine. He founded the Viticultural School of Beaune, whose teaching helped to understand the various diseases including Phylloxera. The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine are sourced from the coolest climates France has to offer. Bright red garnet in the glass, the nose shows delicate aromas of cherry and coffee with subtly integrated toasted notes, these carry over to to the palate where nice cocoa flavors are underlined by a hint of menthol, lying on silky tannins. The finish is long with assorted fruit notes and a subtle touch of oak spice.
BERTOLDI, ‘GRAN PASSIONE’ ROSSO 2022, VENETO, ITALY $16.99 The Gran Passione, a blend of corvina and merlot, is crafted in the tradition of ‘apassimento’ (to dry and shrivel), the same style as the famed Amarone wine. This technique has its roots in to the Roman era, and is a key aspect of viticulture in northern Italy. While it may seem like a no-brainer, it actually requires a lot of work and sacrifice as the grapes are not picked until the absolute last minute in late October, meaning you lose a lot of grapes to free loading critters. The 2022 Gran Passione has aromas of black fruits with hints of mocha and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied and lushly textured, with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, and figs layered with subtle notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and sweet baking spices. Pliant tannins and moderate acidity give the wine structure, balance, and depth.
CHÂTEAU DU CAILLAU, MALBEC 2021, CAHORS, FRANCE $18.99 (MIXED) While we normally think of Malbec as strictly Argentinian, it is actually an import from France. Specifically from the southwest, around the romantic, medieval village of Cahors. Château du Caillau, which means ‘pebbles’, appropriate as the soil in the vineyards is dominated by river pebbles, is owned by Philippe Bernède whose family have been making the wine for six generations. Deep intense ruby color. Ripe fruit on the nose. Round and mellow in the mouth, this wine seduces with its fruit and well-matured tannins that bring persistence and finesse. Beautiful finish that is both harmonious and ample. This wine is perfect for sipping or with meat dishes, tuna (raw or cooked), and firm cheeses.
LUNARIA ORSOGNA, ‘COSTE DI MORO’ MONTEPULCIANO 2019, ABRUZZO, ITALY $16.99 Cantina Orsogna is a progressive cooperative of thirty one growers in Italy’s central province of Abruzzo. The company was one of the first of its kind to move to 100% organic farming back in 2002, and they are the largest Biodynamic wine producer in Italy, having been certified by Demeter since 2005. Montepulciano, the grape not the village, dominates here; and is one of our favorites. I call the cotes-du-rhone of Italy, as it is a middle-of-the-road, crowd pleasing wine that is delicious to drink but pairs beautifully with almost all cuisine. In the glass the first impression is the impenetrable ruby red color followed by a intense nose of red plumb and black cherry with light notes of cocoa. The palate is warm, fairly tannic, soft, intense, with the typical roasted almond finish.
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