CANTINA ERMES, ‘QUATTRO QUARTI’ NERO D’AVOLA 2023, SICILY, ITALY $16.99 (MIXED) Under a system of shared values yet operating across many different vineyards with equally as many traditions and practices makes Cantina Ermes a multi-regional cooperative. The goal? To build a completely new way of experiencing a self described “mosaic of identities.” This wine features a nose of black cherries, plums, prunes and figs are on the nose of this Nero d'Avola, a whisper of dark chocolate and mint on the back. The palate stays fresh and juicy with cherries, more chocolate and an undercurrent of wet slate and soil complemented by punchy acidity. Pairs great with spaghetti and grilled meats.
INDABA, ‘MOSAIC’ RED BLEND 2022, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA $15.99 Indaba (pronounced in-dah-bah) is a word that has widespread use throughout South Africa. It means to come together, and Indaba believes their wines embody that spirit. Indaba works closely with conscientious farmers in prime appellations who have perfected the art of grape growing over generations and strive to continuously improve critical conservation practices. This succulent Bordeaux blend flaunts alluring aromas and juicy flavors of blackcurrant, ripe brambly berry fruit and dark chocolate, with subtle spice notes. Soft, gentle tannins coat the palate, enticing you to take another sip.
FAUSTINO VII, GARNACHA 2024, RIOJA, SPAIN $15.99 (MIXED) Bodegas Faustino, one of the ‘First Families of Rioja’, was founded in 1861 by the Martinez family and is actively managed today by the 6th generation Martinez daughters. Today, the iconic bottle featuring Rembrandt's art has become the symbol of the excellence of Rioja wines, and Faustino wines are now enjoyed in more than 140 countries. This Garnacha is crafted with meticulous attention to detail: whole grapes are used without stemming or crushing to preserve their essence and enhance aromatic expression. The result is a smooth, rounded, and fruit-forward wine. Aromas of lively red berries, including strawberry, raspberry, and cherry greet you on the nose, followed by additional violet and lavender notes on the palate. Enjoy with grilled vegetables and ribeye steak, teriyaki chicken, and bean or meat-based chilis
FAMILLE QUIOT, ‘CHÂTEAU DU TRIGNON' 2022, CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE, FRANCE $18.99 The Quiot family are one of the most storied producers in the southern Rhône region. Beginning in 1748 with the famed estate Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, one of the finest producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Over the centuries they slowly acquired a few other estates, with the most recent acquisition being Château du Trignon in 2006. They are currently managed by the 13th generation of the Quiot Family, focusing on traditional winemaking methods, they let the wine and the soil speak for itself in the glass! A classic Côtes-du-Rhône, heavy on Grenache with its rich black cherry, fresh rose, white pepper and stoney aromas lead into a vibrant palate of wild strawberry, rhubarb, violets and wild mint. It is textured and well balanced, with a complex, refreshing finish that lingers. Juicy and full of life.
PIATTELLI, RESERVE MALBEC 2023, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA $14.99 (MIXED) The Piattelli Winery has been producing outstanding wines relying on the exceptional landscape of the Northern Province, which is also the highest wine-making region in the world. At Piattelli, they are passionately committed to making the most authentic wine from the region in which the grapes originate, with minimal interference in the process. Put simply, they let the grapes speak for themselves. A striking, slightly smoky wine with a deep burgundy hue, the Reserve Malbec’s fruity bouquet delights the senses and warms the palate with notes of blackberries, blueberries and lavender, lingering with a gentle tannin pull and finishing with subtle flavors of toasted hazelnuts. Pair with grilled or smoked meats!
LUZÓN, ‘COLECCIÓN' MONASTRELL 2023, JUMILLA, SPAIN $14.99 Named in honor of the major island of the Philippine archipelago, where the founder, Don Jose de Molina, was stationed for many years during the 19th Century. In 2004 they were acquired by the Fuertes family. Their Monastrell, aka Mourvèdre, comes from 36-year-old bush vines which are dry farmed at an altitude of 650 - 800m. It is intensely aromatic on the nose with aromas of cherries, black plums, blackberry, violets and baking spices. On the palate, it is spicy and supple with a fresh fruit character and noticeable mineral edge. The finish is long, textured and vibrant. Ideal for spicy game meats, roast lamb, rich tomato based pasta dishes and hearty stews.
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