New 6 / $ixty

 

Stock up and save money with our popular 6 pack of wines for $60 (a $69 value)! Some of you claim to not drink whites, but this 6-pack may convert you. It includes the Ultimate Summer Heat Relief Emergency Elixir, aka Broadbent Vinho Verde. It may not be 100 degrees yet, but once it is, this ever-so-slightly fizzy Portuguese white will be your new best friend. We thought we'd offer an early introduction.

 

In addition to the Vinho Verde, you will also acquire:

 

Root 1 Sauvignon Blanc - Zesty, citrusy white from Chile with lovely packaging. Perhaps the wine equivalent to a margarita.

 

Toscolo Chianti - Stylish Sangiovese from Tuscany; earthy elements are perfectly balanced by bright cherry fruit.

 

Vina Antigua - Try contrasting this with the Toscolo: it blends Sangiovese with Bonarda. From Argentina, it's a really nice New World version of the grape that still maintains unique character.

 

Roogle Red - The "Roogle," a kangaroo sporting an eagle's head, symbolizes the friendship between Aussies and Americans. Raise a glass of this Shiraz/Merlot/Cab and give a wave to one of our Australian neighbors here in East Nashville!

 

Lavradores dei Feitoria - This sprightly Portuguese red is a perennial favorite here at WWM

 

If you've still got the box from your last 6 / $60, bring it in and we will reuse it. Thanks to all who have done this!

 

Take Me To Your Liter: Episode II

 

Last November, a green army of unusual size and bizarre names took over our little table in the white wine section. Now the new generation (the 2007s) have arrived, and we are once again beholden to their abundant charms.

But who are "they?" They hail from Germany (via the wonderful importer Terry Theise), and they are Silvaner and Riesling, and they come in a rarely seen 1 Liter size!!

Pros of the Liter? Sometimes, even with good company, cracking a 1.5L (twice the size of a "normal" 750mL bottle) can result in wine going to waste. This is something we are vehemently against. The Liter provides enough for 8 glasses (depending on the pour), or enough to use one cup in cooking and then still have a whole bottle's worth left over.

And let's be honest - it's just cool. You're not sure whether the bottle's just slightly bigger than usual, or your hand has shrunk.

If you're a fan of marketing speak, think of Liters this way: a bottle + 25% free!

Oh, and the wine inside is absolutely delicious and perfect for spring!

Gysler Silvaner ($15) - According to Mr. Theise, "Dudes and dudettes, lissen up. If there were an international contest to determine the single-greatest wine value on earth, I'd enter this wine with every expectation of winning. It is that damn good. A return to the form of the great `02, more density and focus than `03 and riper than `04; this is high-toned and perfumed, but juicy and charming, and it tastes more firm and upright than its on-paper acidity says it should."

Gysler Dry Riesling ("Trocken") ($17) - Can we re-emphasize the DRY part? That word in front of "Riesling"? We're not sure why so many people are seemingly terrified of sweet wines ("is it sweet?! noooo!"), but anyways, this one's not sweet! Look for "trocken" on a label; it means "dry." Straw and apple fragrances, and as Terry says, it "opens the spit-gates!" meaning that it's got some rocking acidity. Shimmery and prettily balanced, with a taut, spicy finish.

 

Darting Durkheimer Nonnengarten Riesling Kabinett ($20) - Possibly the longest-named wine in the store, this lightly sweet Riesling is really outstanding. Terry says "Well here's an aroma: a little botrytis and a whomp of ginger!" Exotic and delicious: your spicy Asian or Indian cuisine will thank you.

 

 

Two Springy Reds from Kermit Lynch

 

A little bird told us that Kermit was recently in town, but that his visit had nothing to do with wine: he was recording an album! Yes, the "wine hippie" is also a musician. Surprising? Not really when considering Exhibit A, young Kermit on a bike (right). Ohhh yeah. We hoped for a Kermit-spotting, but it didn't happen. Oh well, maybe next time! Til then, here are two excellent new reds from Kermit that are perfect for spring.

 

 

Les Traverses de Fontanes Cabernet Sauvignon (Languedoc, France; $15) First of all, let us just say how cool it is to see a red in a clear glass bottle. Look at that gorgeous ruby red juice!! It makes our mouths water. This estate is a new one for Kermit, who began importing their wine with the 2004 vintage. From the Languedoc's Pic-Saint-Loup area, it's the Anti-Overoaked-Cab that you will have to keep yourself from gulping down as quickly as possible. Filled with raspberry, cassis, spice and garrigue (herby-qualities that are very characteristic of wines from southern France).

 

 

Kermit Lynch Cotes du Vaucluse Blend (Rhone, $12) It could easily be argued that no one has done more to introduce the American wine-drinker to quality and value-conscious family-made French wines than Kermit.  So when he puts his name on a bottle, you can rest assured that it is going to reflect his philosophy: wine that woos at the table rather than shocks and awes at a massive blind-tasting contest. This year's blend, made again by the Durbans of Beaumes de Venise, is incredibly refreshing, with lively acidity, brambly fruit and some definite earthy character. Hints of thyme and rosemary made our mouths water for a roasted chicken or grilled provençal veggies. 

  

Ligurian Wine Dinner

 

Our next wine dinner at City House will be on Monday, June 2. The cuisine will focus on the region of Liguria. The little crescent moon-shaped coastal region touches France to the west, sits bellow the regions of Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, and merges into Tuscany in the east. According to Vino Italiano (an indispensable resource on Italian wine by Joseph Bastianich and David Lynch (no, not THAT Lynch)), "In many regions of Italy, the foods of the coast and the foods of the interior uplands are so dramatically different they seem like separate cuisines. In Liguria, the mountains and the coast are often one and the same, and their produce comes together on the tables of Genoa." Regional specialties include olives and olive oil, artichokes, pesto, fish stew, focaccia, and wild mushrooms.

 

Very little wine is grown in the region, and what small amounts make it out are often quite expensive and hard to get. So we will be featuring wines from the surrounding areas, including Piedmont and the island of Sardinia, which we are just as excited about! Vermentino, Sangiovese, Dolcetto . . . we really can't wait for this one.

 

Menu coming soon; however you may make reservations now, as these events usually fill up fast!

 

Ligurian Wine Dinner

City House Restaurant

Monday, June 2

6:30

$69

 

Call (615) 736-5838 for reservations