November Mixed Case Happy Thanksgiving! $135
The latest mix case of six reds and six whites
Reds
Albino Rocca Rosso
Piedmont, Italy - Piedmont is Italy’s most important wine region, with the great wines of Barolo and Barbaresco being made here. This is one of the ‘new-wave’ style blends based on Nebbiolo, the noble grape of Piedmont. It is elegant, soft and delicate yet with wonderful depth and great versatility with food. The wild cherry fruit, mineral and earth here match very well with foods such as pumpkin ravioli, risotto or braised beef.
Bajoz
Toro, Spain - Toro is a small region in northern Spain that boast some of the world’s oldest vinifera vines dating back as much as 150 years. The local variety of Tempranillo is called Tinta de Toro which is the basis for this wine with about 25% Grenache added. This shows wonderfully full and rich fruit but also polished, fine tannins as well as a nice freshness and zest while still being ripe and smooth. Great with savory foods and a wine we wouldn’t hesitate to serve with Thanksgiving dishes.
Shooting Star Zinfandel
Lake County, California - If ever there was an all-American wine it has to be zin. And this is dead-on example of what we like in this grape. It’s got the big, round fruit you love but it is well balanced so you actually want to have another glass. Sporting oodles of brambly dark fruits and subtle notes of spice, this will make a great wine for the table during the holidays and all family and friends will enjoy.
Villa Donna Barbera del Monferrato
Piedmont, Italy - Here’s another selection from Piedmont, this one is made entirely of Barbera, Piedmont’s all around, rock star grape that makes some of Italy’s most enjoyable wines. Soft, plushly textured, medium bodied and very yummy—almost Pinot noir like in character but with a bit more roundness to the fruit. You’ll love this and of course, it will match Thanksgiving foods perfectly.
Duck Pond Syrah
Columbia Valley, Washington - Apart from the outstanding Bordeaux styled wines Washington is making the Syrah has become fabulous. But most of them have been quite expensive so this version really stands out as the best value. A big, powerful red with smoky, gamey notes that enhance and give depth to the blueberry and blackberry fruit and mouth filling texture offered up here. This has a lot going on and will compliment foods such as roasted meat or barbeque.
I Perrazzi
Morellino di Scansano, Italy - Morellino is small and upcoming region in southern Tuscany not far from Montalcino where several high-profile producers have bought property to make wine. This property is partly owned by Chef Mario Batali and the quality here is fabulous. This is a blend based on Sangiovese that is a bit more robust and fleshy than other Tuscan red with fruity wild cherry fruit with a little of the region’s spice. An easy drinking that you can enjoy with all sorts of foods.
Whites
Domus d’Uby
Cotes de Gascogne, France - This region of France is far better known for spirits than wine but there are a handful of refreshing whites from here. This is a blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc that is light, fresh, clean and zippy. Filled with light citrus fruit and an uncomplicated style, this makes a great aperitif and works really well with a cheese course or fresh, simply prepared seafood or salads.
Miguel Torres Gewurztraminer
Chile - We get a lot of request for Gewurztraminer but so many or overtly sweet and poorly made. We were surprised by this version from Chile with its subtle spice, great acid and wonderful balance. They add about 15% Riesling to keep it fresh and this style is softer and more subtle without a lot of big powerful spice notes but it’s a great paring choice for your Turkey Day foods.
Routas Wild Boar White
Provence, France - This is one of those wines that people go crazy for—maybe it’s the satiny texture or the wonderfully aromatic nose it offers—whatever the case, we’re always happy when we get a little more of this wine as it’s made in small quantities. A fun blend that’s at once round and supple, fresh and clean and spicy and really aromatic. Delicious stuff that offers a great diversion from all the everyday sort of whites you all drink.
Desrayaud Macon-Vergisson
Burgundy, France - The Macon is located just south of Burgundy’s famous Cotes De Or and has long underperformed in quality. Things are changing and there are now some great wines from here. We’re big fans of this with its baked apple and pear fruit, wonderful purity and long finish. Made entirely from Chardonnay this has nothing in common with the oaky, buttery style. Another extremely versatile food wine, and guess what it goes great with? How about Turkey or ham?
Cline Viognier
California - Viognier is one of those wines that you can usually find but it’s awfully hard to find good versions as it’s fairly difficult to work with and can become really heavy and hot when made poorly. We like this one—it’s full bodied, sort of rich in texture but has good acid to balance out the texture and all of this grape’s seductive, perfumed aromas of spiced oranges, jasmine blossoms and candied ginger. Sound good? When you taste it these aromas come through along with peaches and apricots and a little baked pear.
Anselmi Tocai
Friuli, Italy - The region of Friuli is a hidden gem in northeastern Italy where American tourists rarely venture. It has a unique food and wine culture and is currently Italy’s best region for white wines. The local white grape cultivated here for centuries is called Tocai and makes for soft, fresh wines like this with hints of almonds. A delicious wine with food-this is another great pick for Thanksgiving.
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