Wines of the Week
Each week, we select a few wines from our shop for a 10% discount and some spotlight as to why we think they're so great!
NV Villa Crespia Franciacorta 'Novalia,' Lombardy, Italy - Franciacorta is a small wine producing area in Lombardy, famous for its high-quality sparkling wines, made very much in the image of Champagne. It is located in the Brescia provence, in the hills immediately southeast of the foot of Lake Iseo. The region is protected by the Alps from the continental influences of Central Europe, with local, rolling hills sheltering the vineyards. The gravely, stony soils are well drained and rich in minerals, formed by glacial activity. Villa Crespia was started in 1999 by Michaela Muratori, now with famed winemaker Ricardo Cotarella. They have 57 hectares of vines altogether, and are certified organic since 2015. Novalia is 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs), aged 18 months on lees, with 6g/l dosage. It has aromas of bread crust, citrus blossom and white stone fruit , followed by a palate with vibrant acidity underscored with candied lemon drop, yellow apple, and white peach, followed by bitter almond notes. A great accompaniment with fresh oysters, ceviche, Thai curries, and grilled sea bass, and aged gouda and other hard cheeses.
2019 Chianti Classico, Castello Monterinaldi, Tuscany, Italy - Chianti Classico is the heartland of the Chianti wine region and its traditional and longest established viticultural area. It covers almost all land between Siena and Florence, and is buffered at each end by the Colli Fiorentini and Colli Senesi production zones. Chianti Classico wines must be comprised of at least 80% Sangiovese, while the remainder can be made from native grapes such as Canaiolo or Colorino, and international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Castello Monterinaldi estate and winery are located between Panzano and Radda and consist of 18 single vineyards, all fully certified organic. Founded in 1961, it is owned by the Ciampi family, but the castle was built around the year 1000, with wine production beginning around 1910. The wine shows intense ruby red color, with aromas of small red berries, tea leaf, and baking spice, followed by a bright red fruit-laden palate, with medium-weight, a whisper of dusty tannins and a finish of red cherry and eucalyptus. It pairs well with beef tartare, roasted game, and aged hard cheeses.
2021 Conte Vistarino 'Costa del Nero' Pinot Nero dell'Oltrepo Pavese, Lombardy, Italy - Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) dell'Oltrepo Pavese was given DOC status in 2010, distinguishing it from the general Oltrepo Paves appellation. In 1850, Count Augusto Giorgi de Vistarino planted the first Pinot Noir in the Oltrepo, importing the shoots directly from France, which gave rise to the sparkling wine tradition of the Oltrepo Pavese. Today, the 826 hectare Vistarino estate is run by Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino, where she oversees the 200 hectares of vines, with 100 being planted to Pinot Noir, all farmed organically, with ideal dry conditions for Pinot Noir cultivation. Costa del Nero is sourced from clay and calcareous soils, and is pressed destemmed, then aged partly in steel tanks and partly in used barrels until bottling about 10 months after harvest. The wine shows brilliant aromas of red fruits, with hints of forest floor, followed by a soft and full-bodied palate, that has a nice balance of tannins and acidity, finishing with mineral, earthy notes and waves of red berry. A perfect accompaniment to pasta with white ragu, braised rabbit, or liver pate.