April Case of the Month

Italy
$189 (regular price $236)

Italy:  The world's largest producer of wine, and home to some of the oldest wine-producing lands on the planet. In its 20 wine regions, Italy grows close to 1000 (!) different grapes, and from this cover a surprisingly broad range of styles and flavor profiles. With so much ground to cover, the Bottle Shop put together a case of Italian wines that are crowd favorites. In addition, these wines showcase grapes + regions that are lesser known, yet deliver great products. This collection covers wines from the northernmost regions that border Austria, down past the tip of the boot and into Sicily. This is a super fun look at some interesting and tasty Italian wines. Please find descriptions of this month’s selection below. Enjoy!

(Trentino-Alto Adige) Pojer E Sandri Palai Dolomiti Muller Thurgau 2017, $24

The Pojer E Sandri winery is located in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy. Steep hillsides at high elevation in siltstone + limestone soils, and all stainless steel fermentation create this aromatic, mineral driven, citrusy white. Fun grape fact: Muller Thurgau is a cross of riesling and sylvaner grapes! This wine exhibits the best parts of both varietals.

Variety: 100% Muller Thurgau

Tasting Notes: Prominent acid and citrus, limestone minerality, subtle notes of under ripe stone fruit and blossoms.

Pairing: Watermelon Gazpacho, Eggs Benedict, brunch menu items!

(Alto Adige) Castelfeder Lagrein 2017, $23

The rugged terrain of German-speaking Alto Adige (also referred to as Südtirol) focuses on small-scale viticulture, with great value placed on local varieties—though international varieties have been widely planted since the 1800s. Sheltered by the Alps from harsh northerly winds, many of the best vineyards are at extreme altitude but on steep slopes to increase sunlight exposure. Lagrein is typically characterized with bold, herbaceous flavors, coupled with dark spicy fruit tones. The Castelfeder Lagrein is no acception - Aromas of blackberry, violet and dark spice lead while the juicy palate serves up raspberry, black cherry, clove and white pepper. It’s another lively Northern Italian wine, with firm but approachable tannins.

Variety: 100% Lagrein

Tasting Notes: Clove, blackberry, black + white pepper, rustic

Pairing: Stewed meats, BBQ

(Veneto) Ca La Bionda Valpolicella Classico 2017, $18

This winery is located in Valpolicella- the Italian wine region ranking just after Chianti in total Italian Demoninazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wine production. Ca La Bionda was founded in 1902, and today, enjoys its fourth generation of family wine making. They use organic farming practices and only grapes indigenous to the region, a long-standing and thoughtful tradition resulting in a light, elegant, and easy drinking wine suitable as an aperitif or coupled with most savory meals.

Variety: 70 % Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, 10%  Molinara

Tasting Notes: fresh red fruits, violets, light bodied and bright on the palate

Pairing: This wine is great for spring inspired fare! Grilled asparagus, grilled corn, charcuterie.

(Piedmont) Francesco Rinaldi Grignolino d’Asti 2017, $21

Located in Piedmont in the town of Barolo itself, the domaine of Francesco Rinaldi was founded in 1870. Although this region is most famous for Barolos and Barberas, the Grignolino grape yields one of my favorite wines to drink. All stainless steel fermentation. Light bodied, bright sour cherry fruit, black pepper, and just a bit of old world funk.

Variety: 100% Grignolino

Tasting Notes: tarty berry + cherry fruit, nice acid, subtle tannic structure, lightly herbal

Pairing: Great pork chop wine!

(Piedmont) Vietti "Tre Vigne" Barbera d'Asti 2016, $19

Here is another offering from Piedmont- and another family run winery for over 100 years. This is a textbook example of one of Italy’s most famous grapes. Aged in both neutral oak barrels and stainless steel vats- the Vietti family produces a Barbera d’Asti that is dry, medium bodied and has refreshing acidity. It is well balanced with good integration of oak, good complexity and a long finish of red cherries.

Variety: 100% Barbera D’Asti

Tasting Notes: Generous red and blue fruit, smooth textured, floral and mineral notes

Pairing: Grilled vegetables, Mushroom Risotto

(Emilio-Romagna) Fattoria Zerbina "Ceregio" Trebbiano 2017, $15

Fattoria Zerbina is located in the region of Romagna, which borders Tuscany on its northernmost side.The “Ceregio” is made from all Trebbiano grapes, and is a delightful option for springtime. Fresh, light bodied, and bright on the palette. A great sunshine wine!

Variety: 100% Trebbiano

Tasting Notes: Crisp + light on the palette, prominent citrus zest, light tropical fruit

Pairing: spring salad with feta cheese, sauteed white fish

(Tuscany) Fattoria Poggerino, Chianti Classico DOCG 2015,  $28

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Fattoria Poggerino is a family run operation that holds strict organic farming practices. This Chianti Classico brings familiar Italian wine characteristics - Bright ruby red color, on the nose notes of blackberries, leather, cherries and red currant with a touch of liquorice and vanilla. Sweet and persistent tannins.

Variety: 100% Sangiovese

Tasting Notes: Cherries and oak notes with great acidity and ripeness.

Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina

(Abruzzo) Faraone Vigne Rosso Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2017, $16

The Faraone family and vineyard has been making wines in the central Italian region of Abruzzo since the 1930’s. They make a variety of wines, and under a few different labels- the Faraone Le Vigne label focuses on accessible and tasty day to day wines at a great value. Although labeled “Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo,” this wine is made from all Montepulciano grapes.

Here, Cerasuolo means "bright cherry" and relates to the deep color the wine gets during the fermentation process, as well as the bright and lively tasting notes.

Variety: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Tasting Notes: Medium bodied, dark red cherry, well balanced with integrated smooth tannins. Great food wine!

Pairing: Crispy brussels sprouts, roasted sausages and potatoes

(Calabria) Scala di Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore, $16

Down to the ‘toe’ of the Italian boot we find a winery run by the Scala family since 1949- the domaine is now run by Luigi Scala, who leads the production of Cirò wines following family traditions. From the growing of the grapes to the refinement and aging of the wines, Scala favors quality over quantity and aims to produce distinguished Calabrian wines. This Gagliopo is hearty, yet easy drinking with red fruit + spice aromas, and undertones of cranberry on the palate.

Variety: 100% Gaglioppo

Tasting Notes: Lightly dry and aromatic, integrated tannins, nice berry fruit, well balanced.

Pairing: Sun Dried tomatoes, beef tartare

(Basilicata) D'Angelo Aglianico del Vulture 2015, $18

The D’Angelo winery, whose name has been identified with Aglianico for approximately a century, represents a long history for Basilicata and its region. In 1971, Aglianico del Vulture received DOC status. Their Aglianico is aged in large wooden botti for nearly 20 months.Opaque crimson-tinged plum in the glass, d’Angelo’s 2015 Aglianico has aromas of salted plums, violets, and peppery volcanic soil. Firmly tannic, a touch spicy, and bittersweet chocolate finish.

Variety: 100% Aglianico

Tasting Notes: crunchy, juicy, with loads of perfumes and firm tannins the wine fresh

Pairing: hard cheeses, hearty pasta, eggplant parmigiana

(Sicily) Tascante Ghiaia Nera Etna Rosso 2016, $21

This Nerello Mascalese is harvested from the Tascante estates on the Etna volcano in Sicily. The grape's natural tannins have been softened and the wine shows generous fruit tones, mineral notes, leather, tobacco and exotic spices.

Variety: 100% Nerello Mascalese

Tasting Notes: Ripe fruits, mineral, charcoal with plenty of acid

Pairing: Cumin spiced lentils and feta cheese

(Sicily) Poggio Anima Asmodeus Nero D' Avola 2017, $17

2017 marks the fifth vintage from this vineyard.  The vineyard is located in central Sicily, in the province of Caltanissetta, at about 1,600 feet above sea level.  The most prominent red wine variety in Sicily is nero d'Avola, which yields full-bodied, well-structured and juicy red wines sometimes compared to syrahs. This Poggio Anima is dark with forward notes of ripe plum. Finishes with fruit sweetness and a licorice note with soft gripping tannins.

Variety: 100% Nero d’Avola

Tasting Notes: Dark juicy fruit, licorice, leather

Pairing: Penne Arabiata, great pizza wine!

March Case of the Month

$195 case (originally $243)

(FR) NV Louis De Grenelle Cremant de Loire, Loire $20

Located in the Saumur appellation of the Loire valley in France, this lovely bottle of bubbly is sustainably farmed atop limestone and chalk soils. The resulting wine is crisp, with a tight mineral structure. This is a great value for the quality.

Variety: 85% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay, 5% Cab Franc

Tasting Notes: Fresh and lean on the palette, mineral driven bubbly, with subtle fruit

Pairing: Great on its own as an aperitif, shellfish, grilled asparagus

(SP) Acustic Celler Blanc, Montsant $21

Acustic Celler makes their wine with 35-85 year old vines on organic + rocky soils, and believes in minimal intervention during the fermentation process. They use indigenous grape varieties, manual labor, and sensitive cellar handling. Made with care through and through, Acustic wines have a uniquely approachable drinkability. Predominantly Grenache Blanc, this white is initially broad on the palate with caramelized fruit tones, but finishes with unexpectedly clean minerality.

Variety: 60% White Garnatxa, 25% Macabeu, 10% Pink Garnacha, 5% Pansal

Tasting Notes: Round mouthfeel, with crisp finish.  Yellow apple fruit, and mineral.

Pairing: Mixed veggie + cheese quiche, or a sweet corn salsa.

(OR) Carlton Hill Pinot Noir Rose, Yamhill-Carlton $21

Carlton Hill Vineyard is unusual among its Oregon peers and neighbors because it enjoys a pure eastern exposure to the sun, not unlike the great Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy, but in contrast to most Oregon vineyards which face south. The resulting rose has a structural depth you can taste, while retaining its’ fun and freshnes.

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes: Floral aromas, bright lemon zest

Pairing: Perfect with roasted ham

(IT) 2016 Olianas Perdixi Bovale, Sardinia $28

Olianas Winery is located in Sardinia, and produces organic and biodynamic whites and reds. Grown in clay and sandy soils, this ‘Perdixi’ is a grape blend of mostly Bovale + a little Carignano. This wine is deep ruby red and well structured.  

Variety: 75% Bovale, 25% Carignano

Tasting Notes: Rust, red berry with integrated tannins

Pairing: Great with penne arrabiata

(IT) 2017 Damiano Ciolli, Silene Cesanese, Olevano Romano $20

Damiano Ciolli comes from 4 generations of vintners, and is producing 100% steel fermented Cesanese just a few miles outside of Rome. Sprouting from volcanic soils, this wine offers up aromas of green forest floor herb + dried roses, with ripe plum + cherries on the palate. It's medium bodied and not the least bit heavy, a charming wine easily paired with a variety of savory foods.

Variety: 100% Cesanese

Tasting Notes: Forest floor herbs, nicely balanced acidity and minerality. Lean on the palette, yet exhibiting some ripe fruit tones.

Pairing: Caprese salad with fresh basil

(FR) 2016 Les Capucins, Languedoc $12

Located in one of the southernmost regions in France and grown on Limestone soils at moderate elevations, Les Capucins is perhaps the most focused of this month’s terroir driven wines. Another awesome value wine and a perfect expression of syrah: Full mouth, fine tannins, fresh aromas, great balance.

Variety: 75% Syrah, 25% Grenache

Tasting Notes: Full bodied, dark blackberry, cedar

Pairing: Braised lamb

(OR) 2016 Stafford Hill Tempranillo, Willamette Valley $16

Local wine maker, Bill Holloran's Stafford Hill Tempranillo offers a look at the potential for fuller-bodied red wines from Oregon; volcanic soils and a cooler climate (as opposed to the clay soils and arid climates of Spain) help to give this Oregon wine its unique character. This has a meaty texture, medium+ acid, and forward berry fruits on the palate, with a tight and herbaceous finish.

Variety: 100% Tempranillo

Tasting Notes: Olive, bacon fat and dried rosemary notes accenting light, red berry-like fruit. Tannins firm up the finish.

Pairing: BBQ’d meats and veggies, BBQ sauce

(FR) 2014 Angelique Leon, Chinon $17

This wine is made from all estate grown grapes and 40 year old vines. Sustainable farming, manual harvesting, and minimal intervention winemaking. Thoughtfully made, this wine reflects classic Chinon aromas of black currant and savory herbs.

Variety: 100% Cab Franc

Tasting Notes: Green bell pepper, dark blackberry, fine tannic backbone

Pairing: Root vegetable stew

(SP) 2017 Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat, Priorat $27

The vintner, Alvaro Palacios, has been pioneering the movement towards sustainable farming practices in Priorat. Palacios is undoubtedly one of the architects and primary reasons for Priorat's elevation to a premier fine wine region over the past 20 years. His winery practices biodynamic farming with fields of 70 year old vines. Camins del Priorat offers full-bodied flavors with rich, deeply concentrated sour cherry and floral flavors.

Variety: 85% Garnacha, 10% Carinena, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: Juicy black fruit and liquorice, dark spices, firm tannins

Pairing: Roast chicken with roast fennel and herbs

(FR) 2014 Domaine Sainte Croix "Le Fournas", Corbieres $15

Domaine Sainte Croix is owned and run by the English husband and wife team of Jon and Elizabeth Bowen, who have extensive experience working both in classic French stone caves and giant, steel wineries in many parts of the world. Their 32 acre winery is located in Corbieres, a region in southeast France, just inland from the mediterranean sea. 100% destemmed fruit, stainless steel fermented, organic, native yeasts, all from sandy limestone soils. This bright purple wine yields rich aromas of black + red currant, with plump plum and cassis on the palate. A great $15 wine!

Variety: 45% Carignan, 23% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 7% Mourvedre

Tasting Notes: Juicy fruit, nice tannins, fresh herbs

Pairing: A great burger wine!

(CA) 2015 Marietta Armé Cab Sauv, Napa Valley $24

Marietta’s husband, Armé, lived, worked, and fished throughout Alexander Valley, the Yorkville Highlands, and the McDowell Valley. From their vineyards in those same valleys, the vintners combine the best of what these sites offer to create a unique Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is robust, rich, and fruit forward, indicative of contemporary red wine making in the Napa valley region.

Variety: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot

Tasting Notes: Blueberry jam, spice, leather

Pairing: Grilled steak with rosemary

(Or) 2017 Owen Roe Syrah Ex Umbris, Willamette Valley $22

This wine was introduced as a one-time bottling in 2002 after a wild fire struck the vineyard’s surrounding hillsides. The residual ash and smoke resonated in the Syrah grapes, creating a very memorable wine. A number of vintages later, vintner Owen Roe continues to make this bold Syrah comprised from several exceptional vineyards in the Columbia, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys. You’ll find vanilla notes are interlaced with juicy flavors of blackberry jam, Bing cherry compote and subtle hints of cocoa nib.

Variety: 100% Syrah

Tasting Notes: Vanilla, berry jam, full bodied, nicely integrated tannic structure

Pairing: Pork Loin or roasted Eggplant

February Case of the Month: Terroir

Case of the Month $179 (Regular Price $224)

Terroir is a popular term used by wine enthusiasts globally- but what does it mean to describe a wine that is reflective of its terroir? Terroir is how a particular region’s climate, soils, terrain, and winemaking traditions affect the taste of the wine. For the February Case of the Month, our team member Jon offers a selection of 6 pairs of grape varieties or grape blends that highlight this super fun wine concept. Taste and learn how the same grapes can have distinct expressions when grown in different parts of the world. Below you’ll find descriptions of the wines featured this month. We hope you enjoy the selection!

(NZ) 2017 Marisco 'The Ned' Pinot Gris $16

This award-winning wine hails from the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. To produce the distinct flavor of ‘The Ned,’ vintners take a portion of the grapes used and give 5 days of skin contact during the winemaking process, which helps to impart the wines’ salmon-like color as well as its unique acidic structure and mouth-feel.

Variety: 100% Pinot Gris. Steel fermented.

Tasting Notes: Aromatic and floral, vibrant acidity. Green watermelon, citrus. 

Pairing: Great aperitif wine, and nice with lighter fare including grilled fish and salads of bitter lettuces.

(OR) 2016 Lady Hill Pinot Gris. $18

The Zorn-Owen family has been farming the same land in the Willamette Valley since the 1850s. Jerry and Elaine Owen began producing wines on the property in 1995. They now offer a broad selection of grapes and styles, including their Pinot Gris, grown in clay rich soils on slow sloping hills of their St. Columbian Vineyard. This is a great example of ‘Tipicity of Terroir’ for our local wine regions- an aromatic and lively wine, with a touch of residual sugar and creaminess.

Variety: 100% Pinot Gris. Both steel and neutral oak fermented.

Tasting Notes: Aromatic and floral. Citrus pith, yellow pear, honeysuckle.

Pairing: Cheddar and Gruyere fondue, fettuccine alfredo pasta

 (IT) 2017 Castelfeder Chard $19

Castelfeder was founded in 1969 and is a small private winery located in the Alto Adige, one of Italy’s Northern-most wine regions. The rugged terrain of German-speaking Alto Adige focuses on small-scale viticulture, with great value placed on local varieties. The vineyard being situated at higher elevations with steep slopes assist in creating a well structured, mineral driven wine. It reads lean and bright on the palette, and is simply fun to drink.

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes: Wet limestone and citrus pith, medium bodied with hint of white pepper and green pear.

Pairing: Very food friendly- enjoy with herb roasted chicken and potatoes, or a spicy seafood stew.

(FR) 2017 Bernard Defaix Chablis $25

Fourth generation from a family of vine-growers, Bernard Defaix started his operation in 1959. The two sons of Bernard have been managing the domain for the last 20 years. This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, which is the typical practice for the region. The Defaix Chablis is characterized by its freshness and structure. This vintage is an accessible, textbook example of chardonnay from the Chablis.

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes: Flinty, lemon, green apple, and prominent slate minerality

Pairing: Oysters, Crab Roll, Moules Frite

(OR) Division Gamay Noir ‘Lutte’ $26

Division Winemaking Company is a Portland, Oregon based winery founded in 2010 by Kate Norris and Thomas Monroe. They are greatly inspired by the wineries of Loire, Beaujolais, Burgundy and the Northern Rhone where they first learned winemaking and viticulture. Determined to make approachable and balanced wines though minimal manipulation, the winemakers have a passion to work with well farmed and terroir expressive vineyards, many of which are organic and/or biodynamic. This wine, named "Lutte," which means "fight to overcome" in French, refers to the particularly challenging year of weather the grapes had to endure on the vines. This Gamay is notably pretty, offering a silky and lush texture with dark cranberry fruit and bright acidity.

Variety: 100% Gamay

Tasting Notes: Red and blue berry fruit, black pepper, a touch earthy

Pairing: Roasted pork shank, bacon braised greens

(Fr) 2014 Roland Pignard Morgon $24

Roland Pignard took over the family estate in 1977 and immediately turned towards organic and biodynamic practices. Pignard land has 60 year old vines that produce Gamay wine with subtle, pure fruit, lovely acidity and a pronounced mineral character.  This wine is age worthy, and delicious served with a slight chill.

Variety: 100% Gamay

Tasting Notes: Graphite, damp soil, dusty tannins, raspberry, plum

Pairing: Steak, game birds, pork chop

(FR) Chateau La Coustarelle 2014, Cahours $15

Wines carrying the Cahors appellation must be made with 70% Malbec, making it the primary grape of region. Once used as the backbone for many Bordeaux wines, this thick-skinned, late-ripening grape produces deeply colored wines. Château la Coustarelle is owned by Michel and Nadine Cassot. With their 30 year old vines aged in oak barrels, the duo produces bold, but well balanced reds with prominent structure.

Variety: 90% Malbec, 10% Tannat

Tasting Notes: Ripe blue and black fruit, licorice, well integrated tannins

Pairing: Bacon Cheeseburger, Steak, Braised Ox Tail

(OR) Powers Malbec $13

The powers family has been making wine in the Columbia Valley, Washington since 1982. This Malbec uses 40% stainless steel fermentation, and also 3 year aged French oak barrels. Showing lush layered fragrant aromatics of blackberry and violet, this Malbec jumps out on the palate with nice depth and complexity.

Variety: 93% Malbec, 7% Mourvedre

Tasting Notes: plum, pomegranate, forest herbs, black tea, and orange zest

Pairing: Carne asada burrito, Steak Frites

(CA) 2015 Green + Red Chile Canyons Zinfandel $30

Briary and zesty, and still in a youthful phase, offering wild berry, underbrush and cracked pepper flavors that finish with a touch of rustic tannins. Green & Red Vineyard, named for its red iron soils veined with green serpentine, is located in the steep hills on the east side of Napa Valley. The planting was started in 1972 on grounds with vineyards originally planted in the 1890s. All their wines are estate grown. This wine is aged in both American and French Oak, with 20% new oak.

Variety: 100% Zinfandel

Tasting Notes: Dark purple plum, sage, black peppercorn

Pairing: BBQ’d meats, charred veggies

(IT) Felline Primativo di Manduria DOC, Puglia $12

The Felline vineyards sit in the heart of the historic Manduria, located on the coastal heel of the Italian boot. The area has a warm growing season and deep red, calcareous bedrock soils with older vines dating to the 1940’s. Averaging 50 years of age, these old vines grow as free standing bushes in iron-rich red earth with clay subsoil. Today, the wines produce masculine, complex and concentrated wines.

Variety: 100% Primativo (Zinfandel)

Tasting Notes: Savory, prominent tannins, firm acidity, tart red fruit

Pairing: Meatball Sub, Pasta Bolognese

(Sp) Pago Casa Gran Casa Benasal Tinto 'elegant' 2014 $14

The wine making team at Pago Casa Gran uses all estate grapes that are grown following the strict European organic standards. Their fields are biodynamic, and they use native yeasts during the fermentation process. This Spanish estate is located in the Les Alcusses, a protected valley and preserved as a cultural landmark at the foothill of La Batida mountain, where wineries have existed since the 4th century B.C. Their ‘elegant’ grapes are grown in sand and clay soils, and fermented in both concrete vessels and French oak barrels. The result is a full-bodied, fruit driven red, with balanced tannins + acidity.

Variety: 50% Garnacha (Grenache), 30% Syrah, 20% Monastrell (Mourvedre)

Tasting Notes: Red and Blue fruit tones, soft dusty tannins, nice acidity

Pairing: Roasted Sausage and Broccolini

(FR) Chateau Paraza Minervois $12

The Minervois appellation lies in the western part of the Languedoc region in France. Chateau Paraza is a family run operation that uses organic and sustainable farming techniques. Their grapes are estate grown on clay-limestone soils, and range between 30-50 year vines. This classic French grape blend produces a focused and fresh, medium bodied red.

Variety: 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre

Tasting Notes: Kitchen spice, black cherry, brambleberry, leather

Pairing: Soft + fragrant cheeses, beef strogonoff

March 2018 Case of the Month

12 Great wines for one great price!

March Case of the Month $177 (Regular Price $221)

NV Broadbent Vinho Verde, PT
2015 Pike Road Chardonnay, OR
2017 Swick Wines Rose of Pinot Noir, OR
2015 Red Hawk Vineyard, Grateful Red Pinot Noir, OR
2015 Anne Amie Pinot Noir, OR
2014 Ad Lucem Elaina Red, OR
2015 Tendu 1L Red Wine, CA
2016 Saint Cosme Cotes-Du-Rhone, FR
2014 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, Rosso di Montalcino, IT
2007 Vina Olabarri, Gran Reserva Rioja, SP
2014 Navaherreros Garnacha de Bernabeleva, SP
2014 Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell, SP

August Case of the Month

August COM

Happy August! We’ve selected twelve bottles to complement hot days, cool nights and backyard barbecues.  A mix of imported and local favorites, our Case of the Month is our way to introduce you to new bottles at a great value. Cheers!

Château Brézé Clos de Midi Chenin Blanc $19

Chenin, chenin, chenin. My instagram feed is full of chenin blanc posts by Pascaline Lepeltier, former wine director at Rouge Tomate Chelsea. A lesser known grape,  Lepeltier has been advocating wine drinkers to give Vouvray, Savenniéres and Steen a chance. Formerly by the glass at PBS, the new vintage by Château Brézé has shed its winter coat in favor of a lighter, refreshing style perfect for the hot summer months.

Quivira Zinfandel $15

Classic Sonoma County Zinfandel. Juicy raspberry, blackberry are complemented by a peppery finish. Quivira is known for making lower alcohol zinfandels, balancing fruit and acid. This bottle is just begging for ribs on the smoker.

Domaine Fontsainte Gris de Gris Rosé $16

Vin gris translates to grey wine and describes the process of treating red grapes like white grapes to craft a wine more concentrated in flavor, yet light in color. Domaine Fontsainte is a perennial favorite and lovely with fresh picked strawberries.

Timothy Malone Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $25.50

Tim cut his teeth at Flowers and Cameron before going out on his own in 2012. We love his Riesling (it’s dry!) The tang of cranberry, plum, black tea coupled with subtle tannins make this Willamette Valley Pinot Noir a staff favorite.

Tyrus Evans Claret $18

A great bargain from a local wine superstar and all around good guy Ken Wright, this Ciel de Cheval Vineyard blend is predominantly Merlot. Here at PBS we like to advocate for our friend, the noble Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon plays a supporting role, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot round out the bunch. Bold yet structured, fruit and acid, this wine has it all.

Valentina Montepulciano D’Abruzzo $15

The ultimate pizza wine, Montepulciano is solid. Flavors of cherry red plum and oregano are plentiful in this Goldilocks style of wine. Not too heavy or tannic, tomato season is here. Montepulciano’s high acid loves a good sauce.  

Miali Verdeca $13.50

Verdeca? Verdec-who? Winemakers in Puglia have revitalized an Italian white grape almost lost forever, and we are the better for it in the summertime. On the nose honeysuckle dominates but on first sip acidity and minerality dominate.

Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Blanc $13

The Loire Valley, how I love you, because underneath your topsoil lies two giant limestone deposits, known as the Kimmeridgian and Portlandian. Arguably one of the best soils in the world, rocks and dirt play a vital role in winemaking, lending freshness and mineral character. Ideal for grassy, citrus, mineral driven Sauvignon Blancs that are oh so refreshing in the summer.

Clothilde Davenne Bourgogne Blanc $20

Chardonnay in Chablis means NO OAK yet rich, sumptuous wine with loads of minerals and a crisp finish. Davenne’s declassified Chablis is loads of wine for not a ton of money. Stunning!

Bodegas Pinord +&+ Cava $12

Light, easy festive. A bottle of Spanish cava can transform an ordinary dinner into a celebration.

Ca’Montebello Pinot Nero Bianco $16

Ca’Montebello borrows from neighboring region, Emilia Romagna’s tradition of lambrusco by placing the wine in pressurized vats to undergo a natural, secondary fermentation just before bottling. The result? A lemon-lime, adult Sprite.

Domaine Fenouillet Vin de Pays de Vaucluse $12

Probably the best value in the Rosenthal imports portfolio, known for a killer selection of French and Italian wines. A blend of Marsellan (a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache) and Merlot this bistro style has everything you need: fruit, tannin, acid.

Chill Reds

Just as the seasons determine the produce we grow and eat locally, the bottle of wine you choose for your meal depends on the weather. During the cold, gray winter we gravitate to a bold, Washington Syrah. On a blazing hot day, Portugal’s effervescent Vinho Verde is the perfect accompaniment to an evening on the porch.

Warm weather doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to red wine completely...some bottles are best served chilled.

• Melaric Tandem ‘15 – A blend of Grolleau and Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley; I confess, I am a bit of a Loire fanatic. The region is home to precise, mineral driven Sauvignon Blancs and Chenin Blancs that range from tart lemon bombs to honey drizzled baked apples.  Grolleau derives its name from the French word for crow because the grape skins are super dark and Cabernet Franc brings a bell pepper savory note to the table. On first sip you are greeted with the most delightful raspberry tang, juicy but not sweet. Pepper, spice and a hint of plum carry through the finish. Melanie and Aymeric, a young couple who met at enology school, today rent cellar space in an old castle and craft gorgeous Chenin Blancs, sparkling Cabernet Francs and a spellbinding dessert wine.

• Vigneti Massi ‘Terra Sic Est’ Rosato ‘15 – Okay this wine is not a red wine, it’s a rosé but it looks extremely different than our favorite pinks from Southern France. The reason why this rosé looks more like your favorite glass of Pinot Noir is because the Italian style of rosé is often referred to as overnight wine. French winemakers tend to pick rosé in the cooler evening hours and allow the juice of the grapes and the red grape skins to soak together for only two or three hours. Most Italian winemakers soak overnight, resulting in a mouthwatering blend of strawberries and herbs. Perfection when served with charcuterie!

• Scala Ciró Rosso Classico Superiore ‘13 – Say it with me now: Gah-L’YEE’OHP-oh. Gaglioppo is intimidating in name only, this light and refreshing red from Southern Italy is a crowd pleaser. Grown on the seaside you can almost taste the salt air in the crackling, rolling finish chock full of acid. Not to be outdone, blackberries play a major role in this juicy, juicy red. It’s almost tomato season...pair with tomatoes and a hunk of fresh mozzarella. 

Stop by the shop and enjoy a chilled red on our patio, our ice buckets are at the ready!

Cheers,

Joanna

Friday May 12th Wine Tasting: Northern Italian Wines

TONIGHT!
5/12
5pm - 7:30pm.
$10

Pelican Brewing, Tuesday!!

This coming Tuesday we are having Pelican Brewing here tasting all their goodies. Pelican has been my #1 go to IPA in the state. It's just a solid, hoppy beer that is super consistent. Over the past few years, Pelican has really taken it up a couple of notches. They are now producing many more styles along with a bunch of single hop IPA's. All are solid. With all the new names that have popped up in the beer scene, let us not forget one of the classics. Big props, this coming Tuesday, March 21st from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. See you then. 

Click here to nominate The Portland Bottle Shop and other awesome Sellwood businesses for Willamette Week's Best of Portland poll! 

This Week's Wine Focus:

Paneretta Chianti Classico Reserva

This always seems to be one of my favorite bottles of Chianti. The Reserva from Castello della Paneretta is a rich blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. It opens with dark cherry notes and hints of cooking spices. That sun baked fruit and spice continue throughout the mid palate to a beautifully balanced finish. The especially long finish has just the right amount of acid to contrast the dark fruit. This is such a great food wine. Rain or shine, this wine is super satisfying.

Natalino del Prete "Torre Nova"

This is a wine nerds dream come true. It is not that easy, open it and fruit just jumps from the glass type of wine. This is a wine that is slowly lured out of the bottle with time and patience. However, in time, it reveals dark, plummy fruit and delicious earthy notes throughout. Bright acidity and a plush finish await those with patience. It just has a taste of Southern Italy. Even though this is not a wine I would haphazardly recommend to everyone, I find this wine enticing and full of mystery. If your looking for something to really open your mind, give this a try. Taste, decant. Taste, swirl. Swirl again. There will be something different around every corner.