FIVE WINES FOR SPRING
Domaine Roland Schmitt Pinot Blanc
The Schmitt family has been making wine from its vineyards in Bergbieten, France, since the early 17th century. Their village is located about 25 kilometers east of Strasbourg and produces some of the most remarkable wines in all of Alsace. Produced from the noble Auxerrois variety of Pinot Blanc, this wine has a rich, floral nose which is followed by a wine possessing crisp, bright acidity, thus making it a fine match with food (especially, fish, fowl and shellfish). On the palate, it has medium weight and flavors of apples and minerals. -- $17
click here to purchaseClos Cibonne Cuvee Tradition Rose
Clos Cibonne’s iconic Cuvée Tradition stands uniquely apart from other rosés as a classic, one-of-a-kind Côtes de Provence rosé featuring the Tibouren grape in the lead role. Cuvée Tradition is legendary amongst experienced French wine collectors for its texture, substance, and ability to age gracefully for a decade or more. It is a limited wine made exclusively with estate-grown, organic Tibouren grapes, and a bit of grenache to meet Côtes de Provence blending guidelines. The 2019 Côtes de Provence vintage was low-yielding and high quality, a fine balance between fruit complexity and fresh thirst-quenching acidity. While the hot summer and ongoing dry season gave lower yields, the vines remained healthy and refreshed by their microclimate, providing an ideal marriage of fruit concentration and acidity. -- $30
click here to purchaseSilvio Messana Ghazii Pet Nat Rosato
This delicately bubbled, playful Pet-Nat is made by the Silvio Messana of Montesecondo fame. Made in Tuscany, Italy from 100% Sangiovese grapes that are harvested early to ensure high acidity levels. This dry, energetic sparkling rose is perfect for a warm spring day picnic. The name Ghazii means sparkling in Arabic. But it was also the name given to the warriors that fought the French in North Africa. -- $28
Castello di Verduno Basadone
This light fruity red is made from 100% Pelaverga Piccolo grapes in Piedmont, Italy. This is a rather rare red grape varietal which ultimately means they make this wine in very limited quantities. The winery's website cannot be improved on for a description: 'Soft, though bright ruby red. Intense fragrant nose, showing clear spicy overtones of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as fruity sensations reminiscent of cherries in spirit and strawberries. Nicely-balanced, lingering dry flavor.' -- $30
click here to purchaseChorey-Les-Beaune Bourgogne
Pascal Arnoux is the fourth generation to farm his family vineyards in Burgundy. After completing his formal studies at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune and working for several years with his uncles, Pascal formally took charge of the domaine in 2007. All of the vineyards are farmed sustainably, with an eye towards preserving the land for future generations. A 40 minute drive south from Dijon, France is the appellation of Chorey-Les-Beane. This wine is made with 100% pinot noir grapes. This light and supple “summer” red is well-built. Elegant tannins give way to a lingering fruit finish. This wine would pair well with a pork roast or some mushroom risotto. -- $38
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