This is another one of those theme-less Fridays with some just amazing bottles. A few new wines to the store that blew me away alongside some that I think people would just like to taste. We are touring Europe, starting in France with a Bordeaux Blanc and a fresh fruit-forward red from the Languedoc. The last couple reds will knock the socks off! A silky bold red from La Mancha in the south-east of Spain and a big bold Super Tuscan.
Grab a flight for $5!
Featured Wines:
1) Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux Blanc
Bordeaux, France; $19.99
Perhaps one of my favorite Bourdeaux Blancs, regardless of price. This is another baby of French wine importer Kermit Lynch. Produced from organically grown estate vineyards planted in the early 1970s. Proprietor Herve Dubourdieu manages Chateau Ducasse, Chateau Graville-Lacoste and Roumieu-Lacoste which dates back to 1890. He is insanely hands on in all stages of production and has been even known to dispose of whole batches if he finds any grapes with rot or mold. Ducasse stands out from others in the region by blending a high proportion of Semillon (60%) and a splash of Muscadelle (5%) with Sauvignon Blanc (35%), creating a rich, full, aromatic wine with a very clean finish. No oak here, just trying to retain as much freshness as possible. Loads of that iconic Sauvignon Blanc citrus, but this also has a note of juicy peaches from the Semillion. - Sample $1.50
2) Mont Gravet Carignan 2016
Languedoc-Roussillon, France; $7.99
Mont Gravet is one of our staff “go-to's” for a killer value out of southern France. This lighter bodied red is produced from 60-80 year old Carignan vines grown in vineyards high in the hills of the Herault region. This is a very fresh tasting red wine with bright black cherry and raspberry flavors. An easy drinking style that it even very good with a slight chill on it. - Sample $0.50
3) La Atalaya del Camino 2016
Almansa, Spain; $17.99
Atalaya is part of Gil Family Estates. Started in 2007 to expand their portfolio into La Mancha. They are very well known for dense, smooth, but very flavorful wines. La Atalaya is a blend of Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) and Monastrell. The grapes from from 65+ year old vines with extremely low yields at onlya bout 2.5 tons per acre. This wine is incredible… Succulent, layered, plush, with a smooth as silk finish. Complex flavors of exotic spices, lavender, incense and black raspberry. - Sample $1.50
4) Romitoro Tosacana Rosso 2018
Tuscany, Italy; $19.99
The history on this property goes back more than a thousand years to the Etruscans, but there is evidence of wine production when the Romans started populating the area. Castello Romitorio as it stands today opened its new cellar in 2005 with a focus on hand crafted Tuscan reds. The “Romitoro” is a unique take on the “Super Tuscan” red. A blend of Syrah and Petit Verdot, both rather uncommon varietals for the region. The wine hits up front with tons of fruit; lots of cherry and plum. A full year in oak gives the wine a nice roundness with some mocha and vanilla notes through the finish. - Sample $1.50