Staff Picks: What to Drink This Week
Things our staff thinks you should drink.

2017 Vaeni-Naoussa, Xinomavro, Greece - $13.99
If I were to tell you that you could enjoy a Barolo level red wine for under $14 a bottle, would you be game?...I certainly would! Missing all of the high praise of Nebbiolo from the Langhe Hills, the indigenous Greek red varietal, Xinomavro, is arguably on equal turf with its more famous Italian counterpart. Like Nebbiolo, Xinomavro is thin-skinned, high in retained acidity, yet tannic: It is a grape special to the Greek appellation of Naoussa, just south of both Macedonia and Bulgaria. Elevated vineyards in this mountainous region are southeastern facing. They are perfectly positioned for catching the morning sun and for insuring diurnal dynamics required to produce the special qualities of Xinomavro... so similar to the noble Nebbiolo grape. Indeed, the area is often called, "the Barolo of Greece". And here we have Vaeni-Naossa. This is a co-operative of 200 growers, coming together to best express what this grape has to offer. The end result Is traditional: An aromatic red wine with wild dark cherry fruit, licorice, and allspice, wrapped in dusty dry tannins with a high retention of acidity. Very Nebbiolo-like....and at a real value, cost-wise.
Enjoy with spiced lamb!
-Patrick
Bulli Cör (NV), Vino Rosso, Emilia-Romagna Italy - $19.99
The Bulli Cör Colli Piacentini Rosso is a blend of 60% Barbera, 30% Bonarda and 10% Uve Rare. This wine is fermented with native yeasts. The wine showcases a vibrant fuschia color in the glass, with lovely aromas of dried cranberry, red flowers and a briney, sea-shell minerality. The palate is elegant and focused, zippy and refreshing with flavors of fresh raspberry and crunchy red fruits with an energetic and alluring finish.
-Nick Z.
2020 Umathum, Rosa, Burgenland, Austria - $24.99
Josef "Pepi" Umathum is one of Austria's best known producers. In the Burgenland growing district called Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl), he is one of the great champions of the traditional Austrian red grape varieties: Zeigelt, St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch. Umathum has embraced the intricacies and harmonies of biodynamic viticulture. Hand harvested grapes and minimal intervention are signatures of this solar powered winery that mixes traditional craft and modern philosophy. This is a serious rosé from the three grapes mentioned above from vines that are up to 45 years of age grown on gravel and schist soils. Brilliant electric raspberry color in the glass with cherry, red currants and more raspberry on the nose. Fresh and elegant on the palate with vibrancy and grip. A perfect food rosé that would be a stellar match with grilled goodies and summer salads.
-Angie
Chiyonosono "Shared Promise" Junmai Sake - $29.99
"Shared Promise" holds a special place in sake history—it's the first junmai sake to be produced. Until the formula came around in the 1960s, all sake had some amount of distilled alcohol added. Because of rationing and rice shortages during World War II, sake production in Japan was drastically reduced. To celebrate the end of the war and the return to sake brewing, workers at Chiyonosono in the south of Japan (Kumamoto Prefecture in the Kyushu region) passed around this new sake, promising to continue to make sake without distilled alcohol—this promise paved the way for the popularity of junmai sake. With soft textures, aromas of orange blossom and subtle flavors of sweetness and umami, this sake is perfect with a cream-based pasta dish. Have it at room temperature to emphasize the umami notes or slightly chilled if you want to bring out the citrus on the nose.
- André
Very Old Barton Bourbon - $21.99
Very Old Barton Kentucky Straight Bourbon is distilled from a recipe of 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley giving it a classic “bourbon flavored bourbon” taste. Very Old Barton is a blend of bourbon aged 4 to 6 years in charred oak barrels. The resulting whiskey provides a delicately fruity aroma, a medium bodied flavor on the palate. Flavors of sweet fruits and bitter compounds (think cocktail bitters) provide a wonderful, well rounded experience. The shelf price may make some think that this cannot be a good bourbon, but that is untrue in my opinion. While it may not possess much in the way of a “wow” factor this solid bourbon goes great in cocktails, especially an Old Fashioned.
-Todd
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