Bitchin' Deals on Summery Reds 

 

Bitch Grenache (Barossa Valley, Australia)

was $13; SALE $11

 

Women (and some men!) almost always say the same thing when they see this bottle on the counter, with its cute pink packaging and provacative name:

 

"Oh my God! I have to get this for [my mother-in-law/my best friend/my boss/etc]!! Is it actually any good?"

 

The answer is yes!! Especially if for you "good" means rich, fruity, extracted wine with a silky texture. Many wines that invest so much in cute packaging seem to be overcompensating for bland juice, but not this one. It's made from 40-60 year old Grenache vines, and by superstar winemaker Chris Ringland. So yes, this Bitch is more than just a pretty face.

 

Very limited - and very rarely on sale!! Take advantage!

 

 

 

Roncier Pinot Noir (Burgundy, France)

was $10; SALE $8

 

Roncier has proved to be one of the few reliable names in value pinot noir. And despite the
surge in popularity of this thin-skinned, fickle grape, unlike many producers, Roncier has
maintained their low, low price. It’s not pinot that’s going to make you write poetry or anything, but it will satisfy your craving for a light, easy-drinking wine with a hint of rugged earthiness. The wow-factor comes from the price-to-quality ratio, which these days, is even more impressive. Simply juicy
cherries, tart raspberries, and a happy wallet.

 

 

Chateau la Rame (Bordeaux, France)

was $17; SALE $15

 

Ok, recommending a red Bordeaux as a "summery" red is a bit strange, but this one is perfect for that epitome of summery cooking: the grill! Smooth and easy drinking with nice traditional Bordeaux characteristics (that dustiness!) and plummy, rich dark fruits, it will be excellent with grilled meats or veggies. This one's been out of stock for awhile, and we're happy to have it back!

 

 

An Italian For Every Purpose

 

Some lovely new Italians are in stock! One sparkling, one white, one red: one for your every wine need.

 

 

Nino Franco "Faive" Rose Prosecco ($18) - Think all proseccos are light, fruity and intended only for casual quaffing? Think again! Made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this stuff is serious, despite its light salmon color. Big and bold, bracingly dry and complex. Wisps of raspberry waft through the minerally palate, coming to a mouthwatering finish. Shines extra bright with food, and could age another 5 years or so.

 

 

Inama Soave ($17) - "Soave" is the region (in the northern Veneto), and it's made with mostly the Garganega and Trebbiano grapes. Soave's reputation has been tarnished by the tendency of mass producers to mass produce, well, swill. Inama do it the right way, and are among a group of small vintners trying to realize Soave's potential. Elegant nose of field flowers: camomile, elderflower, iris. The wine is super-minerally on the palate, with touches of lemon and the floral elements from the nose. As it warms up a bit in the glass, one begins to notice the subtleties of the body, which after a steely, super crisp and dry beginning, gains some curves.

 

 

Giacomo Mori Chianti ($20) - This is an '04, considered a great vintage in Tuscany. It's drinking beautifully now, or you could wait to see what another couple of years will add. It opens with pretty aromatics followed by delicate notes of crushed flowers, spices, and raspberries in a focused, linear style that calls to mind an almost-Burgundian expression of Sangiovese. The cherry flavors that dominate the palate mimick the fruit at its perfect ripeness, and the tannins are silky smooth and unobtrusive. A really, really good Chianti at this price!

 

 

Tired of Hearing About Gruner Veltliner? Too Bad!

 

We know, we know: our obsession with this grape is dominating our lives! But we just keep finding extraordinary wines at insanely reasonable prices, so until the well runs dry, we'll be there every week!

 

Wieninger Gruner Veltliner "Herrenholz" ($16)

 

This is an incredible deal - snatch it up while it lasts! The Herrenholz vineyard is Wienenger's premium gruner veltliner bottling, and it's easy to see why when you try it: everything is lively, balanced and intriguing. It shows a complex play of floral, fruit and spice aromas, but the palate reveals lentil, earth, herb and mineral notes. Medium to full-bodied and suitable to a wide variety of foods, especially fresh water fish, pork dishes, and foul.

 

In the beer aisle with Jesse 

 

De Rank Guldenberg $4/330ml

Labeled  with the all to general descriptor of "Abbey Ale", the Guldenberg falls somewhere amidst the blond ale and triple territory. Pours a hazy orange gold with thick creamy head that sticks to the sides of the glass. Lots of aromas jump out; hay, carmalized brown sugar, spicy hops, plus nuances of dried fruit and herbs. Although full and almost slick on the palate, it maintains great balance and finishes with crisp hops and spice rounded out with honeyed notes, refreshing even. Its 8.5% alcohol is so well integrated that it's virtually undetectable. Made in small batches only on the weekends, the Guldenberg is an exciting addition to our ever expanding beer shelves, and a superb summer sipper for those seeking complex and compelling brews.

 

Achel Extra $15/750ml

A Belgian strong dark ale that won our hearts. A shade sweeter than the Guldenberg, described above, the title "strong dark" is a bit misleading. Yes, it is strong and dark, but somehow is light on its feet with a light and fluffy feel and high level of drinkability. Lots of malt on the nose along with yeasty, nutty, and bready aromas,  backed up by subtle fruity character and hoppy notes. Equally complex, if not more so, when it strikes the palate. The mouth-watering finish entices you to go back for more. Simply amazing beer. For fans of Chimay's red label and Kwak, this is a step up, but be careful because it may spoil you.