What makes a wine beautiful? Balance and complexity would be my answer. By balance, I mean that the fruit flavors are balanced by acidity, which enlivens your taste buds. Balance is also reflected in a moderate alcohol level (13% or so) and a supple texture. In other words, not big, bold and over-the-top. And from those balanced and moderate and supple flavors and texture, complexity is derived. A hugely viscous, high alcohol, fruit-forward, juicy wine might be delicious, but it’s not, by its very nature, complex. A balanced, beautiful wine, is both delicious and complex.
Jean-Paul Brun ‘Terres Dorées’ Beaujolais Blanc 2016
Regular Price $19.99
Sale price $15.99
As bright and fresh as a bite of a crisp Stayman apple, this wine shows the the incredible versatility of Chardonnay. That’s right, Chardonnay doesn’t taste of butter and vanilla unless the winemaker makes it that way. This wine will rid you of that anti-Chardonnay bias once and for all.
Michel Autran “Les Enfers Tranquilles’, Vouvray 2015
Regular Price $28.99
Sale price $22.99
Chenin Blanc is perhaps the most versatile wine grape on the planet; its made into sweet, semi-sweet, dry and sparkling wines. This one, from the limestone and clay soils of Vouvray, is bone-dry, yet shows rich, honeyed apple flavors with hints of pie spice and minerality.
Gruet Brut Rosé, New Mexico NV
Regular Price $19.99
Sale price $15.99
Made of 100% Pinot Noir, this gorgeous sparkling rose from New Mexico is all about effusive red berry flavors backed by crisp and refreshing acidity. This wine pairs best with,….well, everything
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rosé 2017
Regular price: $22.99
Sale Price: $17.99
Marsannay is the only Burgundy appellation allowed to make rosé and this one, from 50 year old vines, its stunning in its complexity and depth of flavor. Aged entirely in stainless steel, it exhibits fresh and vibrant raspberry and dried cherry aromas followed by full and round berry and earth/spice flavors finished by crisp and enlivening acidity. Wow.
Canalicchio di Sopra, Rosso di Montalcino 2015
Regular Price $37.99
Sale price $29.99
2015 was a great vintage in Montalcino, and this lively Sangiovese from young vines shows the brightness and vivacity of the grape. Dark cherry is in abundance, with hints of oak derived vanilla and spice. Long, crisp and fresh, drink this wine young and revel in its exuberance.
Domaine des Grands Bois ‘Cuvée Les 3 Soeurs’ 2015
Regular price: $16.99
Sale Price: $12.99
Named for the three daughters of Marc & Mireille Besnardeau, this wine is made from 60+ year old estate grown vines. 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 5% Carignan, its rich and ripe and full and expressive, and most importantly, delicious.