What’s on deck?
Well we really skewed Italian on this round haha! But are you surprised? Luckily Colin, Ashley, and I raised our glasses for France and Austria to round out the list. As you can imagine, the group chat is ripe with wine talk. What we just drank, what we’re pairing with, what just showed up in the shop. So this week we’re sharing what we’d open right now if we had our pick. Starting off with the newest addition to the staff, it looks like Eric has some Fiano in his future!
Eric’s Pick
Vigne Guadagno, Contrada Sant'Aniello, Fiano di Avellino
Region: Fiano di Avellino DOCG - Campania
Grape: Fiano
Bright and creamy. Dazzling acidity but with a softness that only Fiano can provide. A year on fine lees doesn't hurt either. Think lemon oil, pecorino, and Yuzu curd. Eric, you’ve got a serious treat coming your way!
We’re thinking a little grilled swordfish or octo-dogs with this one. Of course you can’t count out your standard summertime lobster rolls!
Colin’s Pick
Stefan Vetter, "Longue Tongue" Sylvaner
Region: Franken, Germany
Grape: Sylvaner
Leave it to Colin to pick the punk-rocker of winemakers. Steffan Vetter is singlehandedly keeping Sylvaner on our radar with his fabulous wines. The Longue Tongue razor sharp acidity, is slightly briny, and drinks so clean. There’s a very good reason it’s on Colin’s list.
Chelsie’s Pick
Marie Courtin, Résonance Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs
Region: Champagne AOP - Aube, Champagne
Grape: Pinot Noir
Blanc de Noirs, zero dosage, vinified in stainless steel. This wine is sharp, focused, and absolutely gorgeous. Mineral-driven, slightly pithy, and the ideal pairing for the entire raw bar. Thank you Marie Courtin for another beautiful bottle! Can’t wait to pop this one open myself!
Abby’s Pick
Glassier, Gewürztraminer
Region: Südtirol-Alto Adige DOC - Trentino-Alto Adige
Grape: Gewürztraminer
Beautiful Gewürztraminer full of honeysuckle. This wine is clean, smooth, and intense. Too many Gewürztraminers struggle to find balance. They overwhelm you with aroma and disappoint you upon sipping. Not this one. Its acidity and flavor exist in perfect harmony and its long, dry finish only make you want more. You’re gonna love this one Abbs!
Chris’ Pick
Region: IGT Toscana - Tuscany
Grape: Pugnitello
Pugnitello makes for deep, dark reds that are full-bodied with incredibly soft tannins. The 2017 shows off notes of clove, pipe tobacco, and blackberry preserves. This wine is so smooth and has incredible aging potential. It’s no wonder Chris can’t wait to open it!
Ashley’s Pick
Domaine Matassa, Cuvée Marguerite
Region: VdP Roussillon, France
Grapes: Muscat d'Alexandrie, Muscat Petit Grain, Macabeu
Dried mango, a little buttery, and just a hit of funk on the finish. This wine is rich but tropical. Catalunyan grapes grown by Kiwis in the South of France. Too cool. Looking forward to Ashley’s notes on this one!
Harper’s Pick
Arianna Occhipinti, Il Frappato
Region: DOC Sicilia - Sicily
Grape: Frappato
Bloody good Frappato. Fresh, flinty, and elegant. Balanced acidity with an earthy flair. This is such a beautiful expression of Sicilian wine. You’re gonna love it Harper!
