Bodega Benegas 2022 Estate Cabernet Franc New vintage! Fourth generation of winemaker Federico Benegas Lynch, was born and raised in the El Trapiche winery until it was sold in 1999. Under the guidance of the iconic Angel Mendoza, Federico repurchased in 1999 the old vineyard Finca Libertad that had belonged to his family, as the new corporate owners of Trapiche had no need for this ultra-premium site. Their loss was his gain! Michel Rolland says that Finca Libertad’s Cabernet Franc is unique in the world as it has the characteristics of the Cabernet Franc from the 19th century Bordeaux. This is the winery’s prized Cab Franc, and we love it for its medium-bodied, savory expression of the varietal. A throwback to classic Mendoza!
Domaine des Geais 2020 Cotes du Marmandais Rouge Eleanor of Aquitaine (then Queen of England) ordered monks to plant the first vines on this 72 hectare estate in 1150. Pierre Boissonneau purchased the property in 1839, and descendants Christian, Pascal, Phillippe, and Nico have transformed it into one of the best places in Bordeaux for value driven organic wine. Black pepper, and vanilla nose; the mouth is fleshy; the tannins are round and soft. The finish is well balanced and long.
Cignomoro 2020 ‘50’ Vecchie Vigne Negroamaro Puglia, a premier wine-growing region, stretches down the southeast coast of Italy and includes what is called the “heel of the boot.” The heel itself is known as Salento. Grapes are believed to have been grown in this area by the ancient Greeks as far back as the seventh century BC. This is the most serious example of old-vine Negroamaro that you’ll find in Salento. Vine age of 50 years. Negroamaro IGP is from vineyards trained in Alberello Pugliese: small trees in their own right, which belong to the Mediterranean culture. Hints of black cherry and cassis, with spicy notes of nutmeg and fresh pepper. On the palate it is full, sumptuous, with a slightly tannic and harmonious finish.
Rubinelli Vajol 2014 Valpolicella Classico DOC Traditional blend of 45% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, 5% Molnaira. The Vajol family has been making wine in Valpolicella since the 1800s, farming traditionally in the hills above Verona where Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara thrive on volcanic soils. Their Valpolicella is fine, elegant and fragrant. Very light balsamic notes with a hint of spices: cloves, juniper and a pinch of pepper. Silky tannins and just enough structure to pair beautifully with richer foods. Open it with braised meats, aged cheeses, or hearty pasta dishes. This is what Sunday dinner in Verona tastes like.
Jose Maria da Fonseca 2022 Peninsula de Setubal Tinto ‘Anticiclone’ José Maria da Fonseca is a Portuguese wine producer, the oldest in Portugal for both table wine and Setúbal Moscatel. It was founded in 1834 by José Maria da Fonseca, and has been a family-owned business for over six generations. The company is known for its Periquita brand, and its commitment to quality and sustainability. Anticyclones are centers of high atmospheric pressure around which the wind blows clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Portugal lives under the effect of the Azores Anticyclone, a sub-tropical anticyclone that influences the country’s climate and, consequently, its very typical and distinctive terroir. The result is wine regions that are as different as they are unique, resulting in rich, elegant and surprising wines. Drink now.
Peirano 2021 Malbec Lodi Nestled between the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada is the Lodi appellation. An ideal growing region for this varietal and is very similar with that of the Malbecs’ most popular growing area, the high and dry Mendoza region of Argentina. In Lodi, long warm days are moderated by cool temperatures sliding down the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range during the evenings. This fruit was patiently selected and hand-picked into small bins to maintain health and quality. Beginning with the hard work and inspiration of Giacomo Peirano, five generations have grown and harvested grapes from these vineyards for over 100 consecutive years.
