Staff Picks: What to Drink This Week
Things our staff thinks you should drink.
2020 Division L' Isle Vert Chenin Blanc Washington - $24.99
This is always one of my favorite domestic Chenin Blanc's on the market. Division Wine Company is an urban winery in Portland, OR founded by Kate Norris and Tom Monroe. They are inspired by wine varietals from the Loire Valley in France, producing multiple bottlings of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc each year. For this wine they source the fruit from 45+ year old vines from a single high elevation vineyard in the Yakima Valley in Washington. The wine shows aromas of honeysuckle on the nose and has notes of pear and apricot on the palate along with some mineral and savoriness. Try this wine with shellfish or roasted chicken with mushroom cream sauce.
-Rob
2018 Pax Cellars, Dazed and Carbonic, North Coast CA - $32.99
Established in 2000 by Pax and Pamela Mahle, Pax Wines focuses on Syrah and Gamay Noir from cool, coastal sites, as well as a selection of esoteric varietals that showcase the great diversity of California wine. While Pax doesn’t consider himself a “natural winemaker”, I’d say he definitely falls into the category of “Cool Kid Cali Winemakers”. This wine threads the needle for seasonality and is perfect for this time of year. 70% carbonic Syrah and Viognier co-ferment with 30% carbonic Trousseau Noir. Strawberry, balsamic and mint up front, best served with a chill, drinks with just a touch of spritz. As it warms in the glass, it reveals sweet tobacco and açaà berry. Perfect this weekend with your favorite grilled foods!
-Angie
2018 Chateau Les Acacias Bordeaux - $11.99
Cheap Bordeaux, as in affordable not tawdry, may be the wine lovers most underrated resource. As I begin this review, I'm reminded of the cleverly marketed Summer Water Rosé. Perhaps this should be called Winter Water Bordeaux. In any case, the real appeal here is for drinkers looking for a daily red that provides restrained fruit with spice and earth notes.
Generally, these reds are rustic but far better balanced and more complete then Spanish or California wines at the same price point. Les Acacias is a prime example of this. The fruit is varied and hearty while remaining natural. The spice and earth frame the wine without overwhelming it. Open with anything but you can truly enjoy this wine with Cheetos and bacon jam. I know I did.
-David
2019 Devil's Corner, Pinot Noir, Tasmania - $23.99
This is an elegant pinot noir from the bottom of the world. With ideal cool-climate conditions on the Australian island of Tasmania and a gentle handling of the fruit, this pinot noir from Devil's Corner has strong aromas of spicy black cherry and raspberry with a hint of cinnamon to greet your senses. The palate of cranberry and cherry is lifted by bracing acidity yet round and soft in the mouth with silky smooth tannins.This is a lighter, breezy pinot noir to enjoy by itself on your porch or with grilled salmon. Cheers!
-Patrick
2020 Field Recordings, SKINS (orange wine), California - $22.99
Field Recordings is California based winemaker Andrew Jones' project; one that has evolved out of genuine relationships he has with vineyard owners along the Central Coast. Field Recordings works with around 20 different vineyards in Central Coastal California, producing unique wine that ranges in approachability yet is always served without pretension.
SKINS is Field Recordings Orange Wine and is a blend of five varietals, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris taking over 75%. I enjoyed how the wine's dominant flavors and viscosity changed as it warmed up in my glass. There is a tropical fruit forward flavor profile that is more dominant than the minerality and slight-tannic quality of orange wine. The tropical fruit keeps the focus as the wine warms up, pairing perfectly with spicy food or nutty cheeses. Or forget the food, I enjoyed this wine on my porch, as the warm afternoon sun set and brisk fall breeze began to blow. Sounds lovely eh? Pick up SKINS soon and try for yourself! It is hard to miss with giant S-K-I-N-S in block capital letters on the label - but any of us at North Loop would love to help you find the bottle!
-Caitlin
Liebart-Regnier Chardonnay Brut NV Champagne - $45.99
The Liébart-Régnier Champagne house was established in 1960 in the Marne valley, where they practice sustainable farming with an emphasis in biodiversity and limited inputs in the vineyard and during vinification. Their NV Blanc de Blanc is a gorgeous fall Champagne made of 100% Chardonnay, and the taught crisp acidity will pair perfectly with Autumn's chilly nights. These bubbles are bready with refreshing tart green apple and lemon for tension - and have a bonus cheesy funk note! I highly suggest grabbing yourself a bottle before your next Fried Chicken Night with Alma or Revival.
-Katrina
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