Bubbles
Segura Viudas Rosé
From the winemaker: “Defined by decisive flavors of cherry pith, grapefruit zest and grenadine, it possesses a subtle richness thanks to its refined mousse and textural complexity. A soft finish on the back of the palate gives a lovely, approachable balance to this Cava.”
From the Tasting Panel, which scored it a 93: “Strawberry and pink grapefruit perfume the glass.”
From me: A blend of 90 percent trepat — a red grape indigenous to Catalan — and garnacha, it’s made by on an estate that dates to the 11th century, although the winery didn’t open until 1959. I can’t think of a sparkling wine that over-delivers more for the price.
$8.49 at 51 Houston, next to Costco on Richmond
Rosé
2023 Reserve des Chastelles Tavel
From the winemaker: “A pure salmon pink color, this Tavel combines subtle aromas of red fruit and toasted almonds. Best as an aperitif or paired with white meat and soft cheese.”
From me: With its body and structure, this has been my sipping find of the summer. Tavel is the only appellation in the Rhone Valley which makes rosé only and the prices generally tend to reflect the famous terroir. Here’s an exception, however. It’s hard to drink better for 11 bucks.
$10.99 at Trader Joe’s
2023 Mouton Cadet Mathilde
From the winemaker: “Scintillating appearance, rather pale tea-rose pink. The nose opens on aromas of red fruit such as redcurrant and wild strawberry, followed with airing by raspberry and a hint of pink grapefruit. A fruit-forward attack on redcurrant and raspberry leads into a nicely balanced mid-palate lifted by fresh citrus flavors, especially grapefruit, while the finish reveals more floral notes reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley and violet.”
From Decanter, which scored it a 91: “Very promising nose, displaying scents of dried thyme, tomato leaf, white peaches, raspberry and orange zest. Vibrant, with some weight.”
From me: Baron Philippe de Rothschild introduced Mouton Cadet in 1930 to bring Bordeaux wine to a wider audience than could afford his Grand Cru bottles. This more recently launched lineup honors the Baron’s grandchildren. Mathilde’s name is on the rose, which offers a satisfying range of flavors.”
$18.99 at http://wine.com
2023 Ile de Conas Le Rose
From the winemaker: “This unique Mediterranean blend is succulent with a delicate, tongue-tingly zest. Bursting with flavors, it can be served as a pre-dinner drink or paired with salmon teriyaki, zucchini, carpaccio or Mediterranean salad.”
From me: Another super steal from the Trader Joe’s lineup, this estate is Paul Mas’ first in the Languedoc. Note that the Wine Enthusiast named Paul Mas’ operation French Winery of the Year for 2021.
$7.99 at Trader Joe’s
White
2023 Mouton Cadet Nathan Sauvignon Blanc
From the winemaker: “Golden in color, with a slight ivory hue. The nose opens on citrus aromas, especially lemon and grapefruit, then with airing develops hawthorn and jasmine notes as well as a touch of fresh apricot. From a fresh attack on Kaffir lime flavors with a hint of aniseed, the mid-palate expresses the elegance of the floral notes found on the nose, leading into a finish that lingers on hints of licorice.”
From Decanter, which scored it a 90: “Lovely nose with aromas of almond blossom, linden tree, fresh cut red apple and pure lemon. Attractive richness, well-defined finish.”
From me: Nathan’s white is no less appealing than Mathilde’s pink. I’m really excited to have been introduced to these wines, made from grapes purchased from multiple growers in Bordeaux.
$18.99 at http://wine.com
2021 WillaKenzie Estate Estate Cuvee Chardonnay
From the winemaker: “Pure and energetic palate with wonderful salinity and creaminess and a long, snappy finish.”
From James Suckling, who scored it a 92: “Aromas of citrus and flowers, with a concentrated palate and bright acidity. Light- to medium-bodied with notes of sliced lemons and honeysuckle. Ends with a tangy and refreshing finish. This is an enjoyable and interesting wine that sees approximately 25-percent new oak.”
From me: The’s elegant, nuanced flavors impressed me from the first sip on. Of course, at this price, I should have been wowed, and I was.
$75 at http://willakenzie.com
2021 Malvira Roero Arneis
From the winemaker: “Lifted and fresh on the nose with notes of white blossoms and snappy fruits. On the palate, the wine gives way to stone fruits and hints of melon before finishing with a zip of refreshing acidity. The finish is clean but long and showcases this classic vintage perfectly.”
From me: Winemaker Roberto Damonte’s father Giuseppe established the winery in 1950, when the Roero region was a true backwater. But he understood the terroir’s potential and Roberto, along with his brother Massimo, have created a world-class property with 100 acres of organically-farmed vines that’s also home to a gorgeous boutique hotel, the Villa Tiboldi. The Damontes have played a significant role in saving the varietal from near extinction in the 1980s. This wine accounts for almost half of their production and most of the fruit comes from the Renesio cru, where arneis is said to have first been identified in 1478, and also the Trinita cru with its stony calcareous soils that give the wine nice minerality.
$18 at AOC Selections
Red
2019 Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo
From the winemaker: “Ruby red in color with orange reflections. An intense bouquet with tertiary notes of rose, leather, tobacco and emerging notes of violet and tar. The palate is ample and embracing, with prevailing impressions of a soft, persistent long finish.”
From the Wine Advocate, which scored it a 93: “With fruit from Brunate, Liste, Cerequio, Cannubi and Raviole, this wine offers an appellation-wide taste of nebbiolo, and the focus, consequently, is on the grape more than any single vineyard. These kinds of blends work very well in a vintage like 2019 that holds its own in terms of balance, intensity and texture. It’s a little subdued on first nose and would benefit from more time in bottle. “
From me: Giuseppe Borgogno began growing grapes and making his own wine more than 100 years ago and his son-in-law, Giacomo Damilano, would create the modern business, now run by four grandchildren. The winery is adjacent to the one-star Michelin restaurant Massimo Camia (which you read about in my previous blog), on the valley floor below La Morra. It’s my new go-to Barolo because of the price. Again, can’t thank you enough, Trader Joe’s.
$35.99 at Trader Joe’s
2020 Rosa dell’Olmo Barolo
From the winemaker: “Following a traditional vinification process, our Barolo spends at least 18 months ageing in oak barrels, during which the tannin and extracts necessary to form its noble and long-lasting structure become richer. This is followed by a period of bottle aging. Its color is deep ruby red tending towards garnet and the bouquet is both pleasant and intense, reminiscent of withered roses and violets. On the palate the wine is dry, full, robust and austere, yet also velvety and harmonious.”
From me: I’ve tasted many better Barolos, but I’ve never tasted one this good that’s so inexpensive. A superb red wine for the price!
$15.99 at Trader Joe’s
The Sporty Wine Guy 