Tag Archives: Wine

30 Days of Rosé | #01 | Kermit Lynch | Chinon Rosé | Charles Joguet

Kermit Lynch | Chinon Rosé | Charles Joguet | Beverage Warehouse, VT

 

We’re delighted to kickoff a new delicious promotion… 30 days of Rosé!

Every single day for at least the next month, we will be featuring a craveable Rosé in stock as they flow into the Beverage Warehouse.

We LOVE Rosé and can’t wait for the majority of our pre-orders to arrive and open the floodgates of these liquid delights!

The first one is a rare beauty, stay tuned and thirsty!

#01 | Kermit Lynch | Chinon Rosé | Charles Joguet | 2016 | 750ml | $16.99

Only a few cases of Joguet Rosé made it into Vermont so claim your bottle of deliciousness while you can!

From kermitlynch.com:

     We have imported the Joguet rosé since the 1970s, but it still flies under the radar, overshadowed by the apparent sexiness of basically any rosé that comes from the south of France. Refreshment is needed in the north, too, far from the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. They have rivers in the Loire, so grab a bottle of Chinon for the next time you plan a picnic next to a stream. Smoked trout, paté, or a Loire chèvre with a crusty baguette will pair quite nicely with this juicy Cab Franc rosé. –Clark Z. Terry

 

Chinon Rosé “Charles Joguet”

  • Juice is obtained by saignée, with attention paid to gentle extraction
  • Long, slow fermentations at cooler temperatures in stainless steel
  • The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation – a choice made to keep the freshness of the grapes

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

  • Vintage 2016
  • Bottle Size:  750mL
  • Blend:  Cabernet Franc
  • Appellation:  Chinon
  • Country:  France
  • Region:  Loire
  • Vineyard:  30 years average
  • Soil:  Sliceous alluvial sand
  • Winemaker:  Kevin Fontaine
  • Farming:  Organic
  • Alcohol:  13%

 

Charles Joguet

The wines of Chinon have long been celebrated. French humanist and native son, François Rabelais, sang their praises as far back as the sixteenth century. However, the distinction with which the appellation is regarded today is due in part to the legacy left by a more contemporary icon: Charles Joguet. This young painter and sculptor abandoned a budding art career to assume direction of the family domaine in 1957. He soon began to question the common practice of selling grapes to negociants, as his own family had done for years.

The Joguets owned prime vineyard land in between the Loire and Vienne Rivers, with some of their finest found on the left bank of the Vienne, just outside Chinon, in Sazilly. These very lieux-dits had been recognized for their character and defined before the Renaissance—some even date back to the Middle Ages. Variations in the soils of these alluvial plains were substantial enough to realize that he was sitting on what would be considered in other regions as premier cru and grand cru vineyards. To sell the grapes off or to vinify these individualized plots together would have been madness. Separate terroirs, he believed, necessitate separate vinifications. Over the course of his tenure, Charles took the risks necessary to master the single-vineyard bottling with an artistry that A.O.C. Chinon had never before seen. In so doing, he realized the true potential of the land.

Charles has since retired. Today, the young, eager, and talented Kevin Fontaine oversees the vineyards and the cellars. He and his team farm thirty-six hectares of Cabernet Franc. Closely adhering to the tradition of Charles, the domaine bottles nine different cuvées, handling each one as a unique terroir and microclimate with individualized care and attention.  That ethic trickles into the cellars as well, where careful deliberation and experimentation bring about gradual change.

The wines are divided into two lines: precocious cuvées and those for long-aging. Precocious cuvées, like the “Cuvée Terroir” and “Les Petites Roches” (Little Rocks), are made to be consumed young. If premier crus were permitted in Chinon, Les Varennes du Grand Clos would certainly be considered one of them. Clos du Chêne Vert and Clos de la Dioterie are perhaps their greatest wines—certainly of grand cru quality—with excellent aging potential. Those who are convinced that the best Cabernet Franc grows in Bordeaux may quickly transfer their allegiance to the Loire upon tasting these classic, appellation-defining Chinons. The purity of fruit, the exceptional delineation of aromas and flavors, the soulful reflection of terroirs, and the extraordinary seductiveness of the texture make the wines from Joguet second to none.

 

Luli Wine | Pinot Noir | Chardonnay | Sustainably Farmed | New Wine In VT

Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir & Chardonnay at the Beverage Warehouse, VT

We are delighted to share a delicious, new wine brand in VT – Luli!

Normally $25 a bottle, our VT distributor friends at Calmont has it on sale for us kick off these exciting new wines off at the terrific price of $19.99

We’re constantly sifting through wine from around the globe for you to share with family and friends – enjoy this new, sumptuous, sustainably farmed find!

The  Story | luliwines.com:

THE VINEYARD

The 2014 Luli was sourced entirely from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is a blend from two sustainably-farmed vineyards. The well-trained vineyards carry low yields and are planted to a variety of different clones, which, combined with the fog and cool winds of the Santa Lucia Highlands provide ideal growing conditions.

We live wine. We are a master sommelier, grapegrowers and winemakers.  Our goal is to showcase the beauty of our region with wines of consistent quality.  We source and purchase grapes from lifelong friends in the area, and are therefore able to maintain a close eye on the farming. The wine production, aging and bottling are done entirely at our own winery.

 

Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir at the Beverage Warehouse, VT

Luli | Pinot Noir | Santa Lucia Highlands | 2014

The Luli Pinot Noir was made with classic winemaking techniques: Hand-sorting of the fruit, native yeasts for fermentation and production in small lots. The wine was aged in ‘neutral’ French oak barrels and was not fined or filtered. The resulting balanced wine is a tribute to the region’s success with Pinot Noir.

 

Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay at the Beverage Warehouse, VT

Luli | Chardonnay | Santa Lucia Highlands | 2014

The Luli Chardonnay was fermented in 50% stainless steel, and 50% neutral oak barrels with native yeast. The stainless steel keeps the aromatics pure and the acid crisp, while the neutral barrels give the mineral notes and a greater texture component. Malo-lactic fermentation was prevented to preserve the bright aromatics.

 

Harlots & Ruffians | La Gargagista

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Behold, another gem from La gargista Farm & Winery has arrived – Harlots & Ruffians!

La Garagista | Harlots & Ruffians | $33.99 | 750ml | 1 per person, per day

 

Click below to read about other La Garagista wine

La Garagista Wine | Vermont Rouge | Loups Garoux

 

Harlots & Ruffians bottle talk:

Harlots and Ruffians is a white wine field blend from our vineyard in an open meadow replete with Queen’s Anne’s Lace and red clover.

The name is inspired by a medieval recipe that we like to cook in the winter called an Orange Omelet for Harlots and Ruffians, created by a German chef for an Italian pope in the 1400’s, a cook who shaped recipes for both harlots and prices.

Likewise, we believe this wine is suitable for both ascetics and debauchees, but rest assured it can be enjoyed without risk of moral corruption.

Hand harvested and unfiltered, this wine speaks of our alpine vineyards here in the valleys and hills of Vermont.

– Deirdre Heekin & Caleb Barber 

Sinister Hand | Owen Roe Wine

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Sinister Hand | 2015 | $26.99 | 90 Points

 

Fall is here, sounding the alert in craniums for people to start drinking full-bodied red vino (although, I drink hearty reds all year).

The Sinister Hand from our friends at Owen Roe becomes increasingly popular as the leaves turn – a perfect transitional wine to ease you from summer to autumn.  The soft tannins and bright raspberry notes of Grenache says summer is still kinda here but fleeting, while the richness of Syrah starts to prepare your palate for robust wine, harvest meals, and evenings around the fire.

Help yourself to the bounty of our Owen Roe wine harvest while you can, like many other seasonal consumables, once Sinister Hand is gone, it won’t be back until next year.

– Jason Wine & Beer Mgr.

 

From www.owenroe.com:

Sinister Hand 2015

This generous fusion of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsaut is easily approachable while displaying undeniable complexity.  The Grenache portion of the blend contributes cranberry and raspberry candied fruit notes, while the Syrah fragment delivers darker fruits and savoury characteristics.  Mourvedre enhances the structure and richness of the body and provides delicate aromas of violets.  Our partially carbonic macerated Cinsaut brings liveliness and tropical fruit flavors to the blend.

THE STORY

Long ago, during the 17th century, the O’Neills and O’Reillys were two revolutionary Irish families. They formed a rowing competition to reserve rights to some highly regarded land.  The two rowing teams agreed that the first to touch the land, after rowing across the lake, would become ruler of the land. O’Neill’s boat was falling behind so a member of the crew grabbed his own sword, cut off his hand and threw it ashore, winning the title to rule the land. This land still remains in the family.

VINIFICATION

  • 44% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 16% Mourvedre, 13% Cinsaut
  • Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels and 70% neutral

Stephen Tanzer | 90 Points

This lively, perfumed Washington State blend of southern French varieties of fers musky scents of candied red berries, wild herbs, violet and cedar. It’s juicy, savory and persistent, with compelling spicy/herbal lift to its dark cherry flavor. Some fruit from cool Columbia Gorge adds verve.   – Stephen Tanzer

 

Domaine Rethore Davy Pinot Gris | Le Chapitre 2015

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Domaine Rethore Davy Pinot Gris – Le Chapitre 2015

Pinot Gris is an excellent wine varietal that enjoys a steady increase in popularity as more people are introduced to what this versatile grape can do.  Referred to in Italy as Pinot Grigio, and domestically labeled as such by some of the larger international wine companies regardless of origin, Pinot Gris has been winning over palates with it’s versatility and affordability.  From bright, young, and refreshing to sweet and viscous dessert wine, an array of wine styles can be made from Pinot Gris.

loire-valley-map

Our most popular French Pinot Gris right now is the 2015 le Chapitre from Rethore Davy(Loire Valley).  at only $12.99 a bottle, this Pinot Gris is an outstanding value, we encourage you to try it the next time you reach for a Pinot Grigio, but want something different but slightly familiar!

Tasting / Paring Notes:  Crisp, bright, and lively but not overly acidic.  Light lemon and hint of pink grapefruit flesh flavors.  More mid-palate roundess on this French Pinot Gris than probably most Italian Pinot Grigio you’ve had.  Clean finish that is just long enough – doesn’t instantly dissipate but doesn’t linger. Pairs well with grilled lemon chicken / swordfish, light pasta dishes, steamed mussels… awesome with ceviche and grilled octopus!

– Jason

 

Domaine-Rethore-Davy

Industry Info:

  • Producer:  Domaine Rethore
  • Country:  France
  • Region:  Loire
  • Varietal:   Pinot Gris
  • Vintage:  2015
  • $12.99

Domaine Rethore Davy –

This is a family story, that of two brothers Martine and Christopher RETHORE, and their cousin Jean-Michel DAVY , united by a passion for wine, they decided to join forces to put their superb terroir and their “know-how” in the production of wine. Planted in 2004 on only 3.5 acres in the growing region of St-Remy en Mauge.

2014 Le Chapitre Pinot Gris – 100% Pinot Gris – this small production is all hand harvested and sustainable with no malolactic fermentation, fine and filtered for clarity. 6 months bottle aging. Crisp, fresh and mouthwatering. Gently spiced flavors of ripe pear, white peach and lychee with a touch of lemon and ginger. Pleasantly intense aromas and nicely balanced with floral overtones and a generous lingering freshness. 3500 cases

Mas Carlot | Les Enfants Terribles | 2012 | Nimes

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Mas Carlot | Les Enfants Terribles | 2012 | $16.99

I don’t shy away from big, luscious wines during the summer, I enjoy full bodied wines all year.  The Mas Carlot 2012 is becoming one of my ‘go-to’ wines because of it’s superb lushness for under $20.

nimes2

I usually drink this satisfying wine from Nîmes (southern France) after a long day at work when I’m craving an affordable luxury.  A wine that can span a meal from a main dish such as slow roasted lamb or duck with raspberry sauce, to desserts like chocolate cake.

Mas Carlot is on the heavier side of a medium to medium heavy bodied wine but not flabby or overly sweet at the end which makes it great by itself or with a dessert.  It has structure and softness at the same time so It doesn’t ‘need’ anything but plays well with food.

– Jason

From domaineselect.com:

About:

Under the Provençal sun, Mas Carlot is a beautiful oasis of rustic charm. Its foundations date back to the 17th century, with extensive renovations made in the 19th century, yet the presence of ancient Roman ruins suggests that this land was also being farmed at least 2000 years ago. Paul-Antoine Blanc, owner of Paris’ famous Le Pied de Cochon restaurant in Les Halles, first fell in love with the property in 1986. Paul sold the restaurant and moved here to Bellegarde, tending to the renovations of the winery and cellars. His daughter, Nathalie, followed him two years later after finishing her studies in enology and was transfixed by her new surroundings. She eventually fell in love with Cyril Marès of Mas de Bressades, literally the boy next door, and today, she runs the 75-hectare domaine. Energetic and passionate, Nathalie is regarded as one of the most talented winemakers of the Costières de Nîmes.

Info:

  • Product: Mas Carlot Les Enfants Terribles
  • Formats available: 750 ml
  • Appellation: AOC Costières de Nîmes
  • Country: France
  • Raw materials: 60% Mourvèdre, 40% Syrah
  • SoilType: Rolled pebbles colored by the red clay of Costières
  • Exposition: South-east facing slopes
  • Average Yield: Mas Carlot limits yields to around 45hl/ha, which is one-third below what the appellation allows
  • Vinification: The Mourvèdre and Syrah are fermented separately.
  • Region: Costières de Nîmes
  • Average Of Vineyards: Vines are up to 60 years old
  • Elevation: Vines are planted to 70 meters above sea level.
  • Duration And Aging Method: The Mourvèdre and Syrah are aged for nine months, half in tank and half in barrel.
  • Alcohol Content: 14%
  • Production: 3,000 cases