Staff Picks - What to Drink This Week
Try these special, staff-selected libations!
2019 François Chidaine Montlouis sur Loire Brut Tradition - $28.99
It's Easter weekend and the sun is finally shining! For my family festivities I am always in charge of the wine- natch, and finding crowd-pleasing options that don't break the bank are at the top of my list. Starting with bubbles just feels right for a meal that starts early, and these are a wonderful choice, even for family that aren't as geeky about wine as I am. This 100% organically grown Chenin Blanc from the Loire in France is the perfect match to ham and deviled eggs!
-Angie
2021 Schloss Lieser SL Riesling Feinherb $24.99
Thomas Haag with his wife Ute took over the iconic Schloss Lieser estate as Head winemaker and director in 1992 and purchased the estate in 1997 restoring its great reputation by making investments in the vineyard and cellar. The painstaking attention to detail solidified Thomas reputation as one of the greatest producers in the middle mosel in Germany along the likes of estates like J.J. Prum and Fritz Haag (owned by Thomas' late father, the legendary Wilhelm Haag).
The 2021 Riesling Feinherb is a perfect introduction to the house style of the epic Riesling terroir Thomas oversees. Feinherb is a medium dry Riesling that, generally speaking, showcases the beauty of the Riesling fruit, without being overwhelmingly sweet. The nose shows aromas of apple and pear and the mineral driven palate shows lime honey and apple notes. Try this beauty with an Easter ham or mildly spicy Indian cuisine.
-Rob
2021 Los Amigos Rogue Vine 'Grand Itata' Red Wine, Itata Valley, Chile - $22.99
There are some wonderfully expressive and terroir driven Organic and Natural wines coming out of Chile, lately. This Rogue Vine 'Grand Itata' red wine from Los Amigos, Leo Erazo and Justin Decker, is a great example. From vineyards of very old bush-trained vines, grown on steep granitic hills only 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, this wine consists primarily of the light and bright Cinsault grape, with a dash of Pais (Mission grape, here in the States). Strict organic viniculture has always been the friends mantra. Hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts in old barrels, the wine isn't filtered or fined and sees only minimal sulfur. The result is a beautifully aromatic wine of rose petals, red raspberry, and strawberry with just a hint of earthy forest. The palate is of light and lifted cherry and currants unencumbered by tannins. The finish is bright, racy, and very satisfying. Cinsault is very versatile in pairing with food. Try it with spicy Indian vegetarian recipes or grilled salmon.
-Patrick
2019 Maxime-François Laurent Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge ‘Il Fait Soif’ - $31.99
This is a lively style of thirst quenching Cotes du Rhone. While made in a carbonic style it avoids the overly fruity pitfalls of Beaujolais Nouveau and instead offers a beguiling blend of fruit, spice and earth. Working under the influence of Marcele Lapiere, Maxime has crafted a glou-glou wine that remains rooted in terrior and varietal character. If you are already a fan of so-called ‘chillable reds’ you know that this craze is heavily represented in Languedoc but almost unseen in Rhone. That makes this a must try. A wine that clearly goes against tradition and even modernity in the Rhone and ushers in a new way to express the alchemy of Grenache/ Syrah.
-Dave
Menaud Vodka - $53.99
This is one of the most unique, interesting, and delicious vodkas I've ever tasted. Based in Charlevoix, Quebec, the distillery (also a brewery!) focuses on producing flavorful & distinctive products from local grains & fruits. The vodka is distilled from organically grown wheat & rye from L'isle-Aux-Coudres, and results in a spirit that has spice and earth and depth, with a surprising amount of fruit on the palate and a beautiful full-bodied texture. This is one of very few vodkas that I would drink on its own, or in a very simple Martini with just an ounce of dry vermouth.
-Nick S
Tozai Night Swim; 180ml can - $6.99
There are few things in life so refreshing and soothing as swimming at night. Similarly, Night Swim sake is both smooth and refreshing as well as incredibly portable. Banana and pineapple flavors definitely come through here, with the banana adding a slightly creamy texture while still saying light. This guy tastes just fine at room temperature, but really shines if it sits in the fridge for a bit. For both the price and the size, this is a great grab-and-go sake. Happy swimming, and かんぱい!
-Nick N
