Both Levels
Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Mendoza, Argentina
As our evenings grow cooler it’s time to break out heartier reds like this wonderful Cabernet from the Andes highlands. Stylistically, the Altas Cumbres Cab is a nice bridge between big, heavily-oaked California Cabs and more subtle styles. It has a very expressive nose, with hints of ripe cherry, pepper, oak and tobacco. The long, strong finish has hints of fig and dried plum and soft tannins. This wine will pair fabulously with wild game or local beef and can stand up to a little spice. Serve with Manchego or Campo Montalbán for cheeses.
$35 Level
Rotie VdP 2011, Washington State
Rotie has become one of our new favorites, with elegant Rhône style blends from Washington State. VdP (Vin de Pays), our main bottle at the $35 Level, is an elegant medium-bodied blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault sourced from the same fruit as their higher end bottles. Don’t let the price point fool you; this is a complex, beautiful wine, with plummy fruit, savory spice and leather in the nose, plenty of bright mouthwatering fruit and meaty flavors across the palate and a rich, minerally finish. We recommend pairing this with our wild boar or duck sausages or any game meat. Try it with our Brie Tour de Marze, Morbier or Lamb Chopper cheeses!
$25 Level, choose red or white:
Collemattoni Adone 2011, Tuscany, Italy
Our red choice at the $25 Level is a dynamite little red. Sangiovese is blended with a touch of Merlot in this wine, and the results are magical. Deep ruby red in the glass. The nose is a beautiful blend of violets, earthiness and dark fruits. Medium-bodied, smooth and elegant, this red follows through with pleasantly balanced acidity and tannins and notes of black cherry and blackberry. The brightness of Sangiovese and the lingering finish from the Merlot make this an easy quaffer and a great food wine for salame, sausage and lamb. Try it paired with Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar!
Roeno Müller Thurgau 2012, Trentino, Italy
Our white selection at the $25 Level is a fascinating, delightful white from Northern Italy. Müller Thurgau, as the name suggests, is originally a German varietal, the product of deliberate hybridization between Riesling and Sylvaner in the late 19th century. Although it’s often used for sparkling wines in Italy, the varietal also expresses itself beautifully in still wines. Medium-bodied and very dry, our selection has a beautiful floral and citrus nose with hints of wet river rock; these notes follow through on the palate with plenty of bright citrus zest and clean pear notes as well as a minerally finish. This is such a fun introduction to this varietal, and it will pair incredibly well with poultry, antipasto and seafood. Try this wine with Bucherondin or an Italian Goat Brie!
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