2020 Ostatu Rosado
Rioja Alavesa | Spain | $13.60
Composed of 70% Tempranillo, 27% Garnacha and 3% Viura, sourced from high elevation, old-vine vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, Ostatu Rosado is fermented in stainless steel using only native yeasts. This modern take on Rioja Rosado emphasizes bright fruit and refreshing acidity.The Tempranillo component provides structure and texture while the Garnacha adds plenty of lush, ripe red fruit. A Rose not only for all seasons, but also for an endless array of culinary choices.
2020 Huguet Can Feixes Blanc Seleccio
Penedes | Spain | $14.40
While Penedes is known primarily for the production of sparkling Cava, the cool conditions of the region also allow for terrific, crisp whites as well. Created from primarily Parellada grapes grown at 400 meters elevation, Huguet’s Blanc Seleccio offers subtle floral aromas and mineral notes. Focused and vibrant, this very fresh cuvee relies on its relatively round texture to balance its inherently high acidity.
2020 Torre Beati Pecorino Giocheremo con i Fori
Abruzzo | Italy | $17.60
Pecorino is a varietal found almost exclusively in the central Italian district of Abruzzo and is adored by local growers for its firm acids and full texture. Grower Fausto Albanesi fashions this terrific example from estate fruit which is fermented and aged in stainless steel. Subtle aromas of lanolin and beeswax lead to a green and yellow fruited palate in this hearty white.
2020 Kruger Rumpf Riesling Trocken
Nahe | Germany | $16
The term Trocken in German translates to dry and while we tend to think of dry as a texture, in this context, the word refers to the absence of sweetness present in the wine. Kruger Rumpf is located in the region of Nahe, an area known for stunningly precise, concentrated Riesling. Kruger’s 2020 Trocken is packed with joyous peach and crushed stone characteristics all delivered by a laser beam-like texture.
2020 Jean-Claude Thevenet Macon Pierreclos Blanc
Maconnais | France | $17.60
The Macon Pierreclos from JC Thevenet displays the fresh orchard fruit and sunny disposition of Chardonnay in a most unadorned manner. The fruit from several vineyards is fermented in steel and held on its fine lees in order to impart weight and complexity, as oak barrels are not employed for this cuvee. Though streamlined and measured, this energetic, refreshing white possesses many layers of fruit and a generous personality which never grows tired.
2019 Novelty Hill Chardonnay
Columbia Valley | Washington (US) | $18.40
The dry, warm growing conditions of the Columbia Valley afford grape growers in the region to pretty much have their choice when it comes to varietal selection. Chardonnay thrives in these consistent climatic circumstances allowing producers like Novelty Hill to craft well balanced, fruit driven expressions of this popular cultivar. Their 2019 Chardonnay features pleasing aromas and flavors of pineapple and nectarine alongside subtle finishing notes of popcorn. This forward, new world-styled Chardonnay will delight fans of the genre while offering excellent value.
2020 Alary La Grange Daniel Roussanne
Southern Rhone Valley | France | $16
The aromatic, richly textured Roussanne varietal is perhaps the most balanced of the popular white varietals of the Rhone Valley. It is often an important component in the top whites of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, prized for its exotic character. Alary’s 100% Roussanne reveals the multi-layered charm of the varietal – a unique melange of citrus and tropical fruits underpinned by floral and stony notions. Deep and light on its feet, the Grange Daniel partners perfectly with hot and spicy cuisine.
2020 Claude Branger Le Fils de Gras Moutons
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine | France | $13.60
The “children of the fat sheep” (Fils de Gras Moutons) is so-named for the 40 year-old, early maturing Melon de Bourgogne vines from which its fruit is sourced (the later ripening fruit informs Branger’s “Fat Sheep” or Gras Moutons bottling). The sea swept, salty character of the Muscadet appellation loudly announces itself on the nose of this athletic, thirst quenching white. Long undervalued as a category, Muscadet is enjoying a certain renaissance amongst wine consumers, a position that conscientious, quality minded growers such as Branger have played no small role in fostering.
2020 Elena Walch Pinot Grigio
Alto Adige | Italy | $15.20
Pinot Grigio is ubiquitous and sadly, one of the consequences of its popularity is the presence of an ocean of ordinary renditions in the market. While stylistically Elena Walch’s Alto Adige Grigio features all the favorable traits of the variety (moderate acidity, crisp white fruit character, etc.), it possesses an extra dimension of minerality and weight. Fresh and easy going, the wine displays a subtle white peach character, adding interest and depth.
NV Lambert de Seyssel Petit Royale
Savoie | France | $18.40
Vibrant is perhaps the best way to describe this fresh, celebratory bottle of bubbles. Sourced from the foothills of the Alps, this methode traditionelle sparkler is created from a blend of the local Molette (60%) and Altesse (40%) grape varietals. The wine is aged for three years on its fine lees, enriching and sustaining its bright aromatics and soft white fruit flavors. Everything is in its right place here – fine bubbles, clear white fruit and invigorating acid. The Petit Royale is a true gem and required drinking for the sparkling wine enthusiast.