Staff Picks: What to Drink This Week
Things that pair well with thawing temps.
2018 Remo Farina, Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore - $19.99
The Farina family has roots in agriculture and winemaking in the Valpolicella region of the Veneto going back to the 16th century. Literally to "re do", a Valpolicella "Ripasso" takes Valpolicella Superiore through an additional stage in old Amarone casks with leftover skins of a previously fermented Amarone, before bottling.
This "repass" adds depth and complex flavors more typical of an Amarone, without paying Aramone prices.
And to find a Ripasso under $20 is a score! The grapes grown by Farina to make this wine (primarily Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella) come from 20 to 25 year vines in volcanic and calcareous soils. The result, after much care and aging in Slavonian oak barrels, is a wine with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and light spice. The midweight and round palate has flavors of bright dark cherry, mocha, clove, cinnamon, sweet tobacco leaf, and licorice. This will pair beautifully with a red-sauced pasta or Veal Parmesan.
-Patrick
2019 Francois Chidaine Touraine Rouge - $17.99
It's that time of year where we are thinking about warmer weather and the white and rose wine that pairs so well with it but we're not quite there yet so I'll be drinking a fresh red blend from the Loire in France. An equal part blend of Malbec (otherwise known as Cot in the Loire) Cabernet Franc and Pineau d'Aunis from 100% estate biodynamically farmed vines located just north of the Cher river. This juicy, spicy, affordable red is packed with punchy acidity that just begs to be paired with your favorite hearty dishes.
-Angie
Division Wine Co. 'Salmagundi' Red Blend, Oregon - $29.99
The Salmagundi Red Blend from Division caught my eye this week with it's label decorated in colorful modern art, made by Minneapolis local Ashley Mary. It was so cute, in fact, that I bought it despite the 'blend' not being listed on Division's website - a detail I was most trepidatious about! Luckily for m me, this book was to be judged by the cover. Salmagundi is bold and fruit forward, with beautiful notes of purple flowers and earthy characteristics that led me to assume Syrah was the primary grape in the mix. After reaching out to Division on Instagram, I discovered Côt (Malbec) was the majority voice in this delicious love ballad to Oregon blends.
-Katrina
2020 Sans Wine Co, Carignan, Mendocino - $19.99
This is the first bottling from Sans, they are most known for their uniquely delicious canned wines. This old vine (1920's & 40's!) Carignan is coming from a certified organically farmed vineyard in Mendocino, California. This wine shows beautiful aromas and flavors of wild strawberry, fresh raspberry, dried violet, rhubarb and a hint of baking spice. This Carignan features carbonic fermentation in stainless steel with no additive, fining or filtering!
-Nick Z.
Mal Bien Mezcal 'Felix Ramirez' Espadin - $56.99
This mezcal, bottled by rising stars Mal Bien, comes to us from 47-year-old mezcalero Felix Ramirez Mendez from the town of Yogana in the Ejutla district of Oaxaca. Felix is a farmer by trade and cultivates beans, squash, and maiz alongside his agaves, which he distills on a style of pot still unique to Ejutla that enables him to distill to proof in a single distillation run. The result is a full-bodied spirit that sings with minerals & tropical fruit out of the glass. It has an initial salinity that quickly transitions into wet rock and supports bright citrus. Through all of that, a slight undertone of white smoke & burning herbs gives some added dimension to this unique expression of espadin. This is a highly distinctive mezcal that has only been bottled for the US twice and is definitely worth your attention as we head into the spring.
-Nick S.
2018 Matthiasson Vineyards, 'Tendu', California Red Wine - $17.99
By this time, the seasonally shifting tastes of the wine drinking public are no great mystery. Just like the first cool breeze of Fall ushers in the Cabernet and Syrah, the thawing temps have people running for warm weather favorites. Mattiasson's intentionally crushable red should help scratch the itch.
Matthiasson has been a leader in sustainable and minimal intervention wine in California since its inception. Tendu red wine, the wineries easily accessible red in both price and style, is in its third year.
This year's blend is an unusual blend of Aglianico and Montelpuciano. The former lends some serious dark berry fruit and zesty finish but the varietals inherent tanin is fully ripe and nicely controlled. Cold fermentation and neutral oak aging ensure fresh fruitiness and nicely rounded edges while the lack of any added sulphur allows for some hints of enjoyable funkiness. Drink soon and often.
-David
Quinta da Raza, Petillant Naturel, Portugal - $21.99
Everybody should be hopping on the Petillant Naturel bandwagon! Quinta da Raza's Pet Nat screams "drink me" with delicious, peculiar foods. You know, your fine cheeses, cured meats, perhaps a refreshing salad here and there. Please ask our knowledgeable staff for their own recommendations to fulfil your needs and get you chugging on this pleasurable Pet Nat train!
-Samuel
2018 Thurston Wolfe, 'The Teacher' Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, WA - $29.99
Wade Wolfe, who made this wine, is a legend of sorts. Dedicating past 50 years to wine growing and making - with 2 degrees (Biochemistry and Plant Genetics) from UCA at Davis, research work in AZ, leading the viticulture department at Chateau St. Michelle, and since 1985 consulting and making his own wine in Washington State - he has seen everything and knows everyone. Yet still, every vintage he dedicates his Cabernet to Stan Crarke, a renowned viticulturist, which Wade considers as his mentor or The Teacher. It’s a blend from 3 vineyards around HHH, fermented separately, then blended before aging for 16 months in French and American oak. Resulting with intense flavors of stewed dark fruit and spices on the nose, and cassis, cherry cola, mocha (that’s coffee with cream and chocolate for you) and oak spices on the palate. Rich, decadent, nicely balanced joy! Still, with all those sticky flavors it’s manages to have a dry side. A showcase of know-how and dedication! Only 490 cases produced. Can be hold till 2030 (if you have enough willpower).
-Alexei
