Tasting notes, May 14, 2022; Everyday wines

                     Everyday Wines

2021 Nortico
Alvarinho
$14.99
Moncao / Minho / Portugal
100% Alvarinho
The southern banks of the Minho river reside in northern Portugal and are home to a number of tiny plots of Alvarinho vines. From these old “jardins” this crisp, mineral driven white is born.
2020 Domaine Martin
Sauvignon Blanc
$14.99
Muscadet / Loire Valley / France
100% Sauvignon Blanc
While Sauvignon plantings are concentrated mostly in the eastern Loire, here we have an example from nearby the Atlantic Ocean. Fresh and floral, this is a soft and easy rendition of the varietal.
2021 Manarine Rose
On sale for $17.99
Travaillon / Southern Rhone Valley / France
60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah
This small production Rose (less than 1,000 cases) is produced by the Gasq family in the village of Travaillon. The wine is fermented and then rested briefly in concrete tanks prior to release.
2020 Alain Jaume
Les Gelinottes
$12.99
Ventoux / Southern Rhone Valley / France
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
The vineyards located around Mont Ventoux feature a combination of sand and clay soils and a western exposure perfect for the sun loving Grenache and Syrah varietals.
2020 Barter & Trade
Cabernet Sauvignon
On sale for $19.99
Columbia Valley / Washington State / US
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc
Andrew Jones produces this wine in Paso Robles from purchased Columbia Valley fruit. The wine is aged in 50% new French oak for about 16 months,
2020 Field Recordings
Fiction Red
$18.99
Paso Robles / California / US
21% Zinfandel, 15% Sangiovese, 13% Petite Sirah, 8% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Corvina
There are many grape varieties planted in California and a growing number of young producers enjoy creating whimsical blends such as the Fiction with these various cultivars.