Man these are good wines… TJ from Cutting Edge Selections (Based out of Mariemont) is back behind the bar for this one. We are kicking off the flight with a fresh crisp white from Hungary before traveling west to Italy. Our first red is from the Masciarelli family are is the perfect everyday little table wine. Fruit forward with good balance and just easy drinking. Our last two reds are from Gil Family Estates. They are a total obsession of mine which I think as of late customers are getting on board for. They dominate the palate with a density of fruit up front, but with smooth finishes. See you Friday!
Grab a flight for $5!
Featured Wines:
1) Evolucio Furmint 2017
Tokaj, Hungary; $11.99
Why not start with a Hungarian white? Furmint is the most prominent varietal of Hungary and often seen in their traditional Tokaji desert wines. It can also be found in Austria, Slovakia and Romania, and its dry versions are known for lots of pear and lime flavors. Its uniquely long growing season causes it to be prone to botrytis, but also helps retain a high level of acidity. This high acidity gives the ripe fruit notes an excellent balance and freshness. The Evolucio shows all that classic stone fruit, but also has notes of melon and tropical fruit flavors with a hint of florals. - Sample $1.00
2) Masciarelli Montepulciano 2016
Abruzzo, Italy; $11.99
Montepulciano is another one of those varietals that I always think American consumers would be embracing more. Most commonly grown in the Abruzzo region on the east coast of Italy, it is soft, fruit-forward and very approachable. Masciarelli founder Gianni has been an innovator and ambassador for the region. Through strict vineyard site selection, new planting and management techniques, and reducing yields he has greatly increased fruit quality. Best shown in his flagship wine Villa Gemma, considered the best Montepulciano in the world and one of the most iconic wines of Italy.
“The warmth but freshness of the wide array of forest fruit is beguiling, opening with dark cherries, blackberries, black raspberries and undergrowth. The palate is taut and finely wound in subtly wrought tannins and a steely acidity. Medium to full-bodied and medium-chewy on the finish.” - 92pts James Suckling - Sample $1.00
3) Blau 2017
Montsant, Spain; $13.99
50% Mazuelo / 25% Syrah / 25% Garnacha
A few weeks ago we tasted the “La Atalaya del Camino” a red blend from the Gil Family that people just loved. This weeks last two wines are produced by two other properties Gil Family Estates; Cellars Can Blau of Montsant and Bodegas Morca of Borja. Cellars Can Blau is one of the oldest projects of the Gil Family. These Catalan vineyards are about forty years old and are home to a high percentage of Mazuelo(Carignan) vines. The Mazuelo dominates this blend with an extraordinary lavender note with the Garnacha and Syrah adding lots of fruit depth. Only aged about four months in French oak to just soften the wine. The result is a super crowd pleasing style, fruit up front with a silky finish. - Sample $1.00
4) Bodegas Morca Godina Garnacha 2016
Campo de Borja, Spain; $24.99
I love Grenache… It is for sure a top 3 grape varietal for me and I drink it anytime I can. The two Garnacha wines of Bodegas Morca deliver an intensity to the varietal that I had never had. The Godina clocks in at a palate wrecking 16%abv, but you can't taste any of it. Borja is known as the “Empire of Garnacha”, sitting at the foot of the Moncayo Mountain. This is the “entry level” from Bodegas Morca coming from 30-50 year old organically farmed bush vines, all hand picked, fermented in small batches and aged 15 months in all French oak. Rich is an understatement, but it doesn't feel heavy. Elegant, soft with a surprising finesse for such a big wine. Black cherry jam, cigar box, anise and subtle oak spice. - Sample $2.00