Wine Talk by Art of the Table
December 15 , 2010
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I love getting wine for the holidays...
...I also love giving wine for the holidays.
Wine is a perfect shared gift. If I receive a bottle, I generally share it with the giver of the gift (unless it's something intended to age, in which case I'll put a note on the bottle saying who it was from and a when/where/why kind of thing so I can attempt to share it with them in the future when the bottle is opened).
That aside, wine is an easy gift to give. If you have a family member or a friend that you know enjoys wine and you just don't have a clue what else to get them, a good bottle of juice will do the trick.
We have focused hard this year to provide selections that are rare, unique, delicious and worth more than the price you pay. Our shelves are stuffed with eclectic wines from producers with true passion and dedication to their craft.
The gift could start here:
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Bubbles
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Of course, you could also treat yourself to some bubbles...just a thought. But back to the gifts:
Roger Coulon Grand Tradition Premier Cru ~ Champagne
A wonderful grower-producer from Vrigny, just outside of Reims. One of the most full bodied Champagnes we have, and certainly a cult favorite among wine lovers and those who work in the wine industry. It's simply outstanding. Notes of orange blossom, lemon, terroir driven chalk and even hints of butterscotch abound! The Grand Tradition is a cepage of 50% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. The Chardonnay sees at least 7 months in oak, giving the wine complexity while still being vibrant and structured. The best part is, it's light years better than the likes of Dom Perignon or Cristal, and it's a fraction of those prices.
$61
Brutell Franciacorta Brut ~ Italy DOCG
100% Chardonnay, it is intensely delicious. Showing off its Chardonnay characters; highlights of apple, pear and mineral with ample mousse. It spends a whopping 24 months on yeast, and the bubbles are fine and consistent. The packaging is beautiful with hand written bottle numbers and batch numbers. Only 3,246 bottles were made...that's only 270 cases! This right here makes it truly special...
$30.75
Bodegas Antano Vino Espumoso de Calidad ~ Rueda, Spain
This stuff is just plain and simply cool. Made from 100% Verdejo in the Brut Nature style, it is the only sparkling Verdejo imported into the U.S. Craft (by hand) disgorging after 9 months, the nose brings intense fruit and citrus aromas that are sinus cleansing strong. The palate weighs outstanding balance in a simplistic fashion. Lemon and almond hits the palate with solid grape flavor as well. Hands down, this is one of the coolest wines I've had in a very long while.
$27
Kila Cava ~ Spain
This little dude is the ultimate party bubble selection. Entertaining a lot of people? Don't want to drop a week's pay on high end bubbles? Making bellinis or mimosas? Straight up - as was last night's treat. This stuff is good, and we've got a bunch of it. Aromas of peach and pear with solid apple, lime and honeysuckle on the palate.
Yep, this will get the job done.
$9
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White Wines
| Roux Pere & Fils Puligny-Montrachet ~ Burgundy, France
I have such a soft spot for Puligny-Montrachet. It is ~ in my mind ~ the perfect balance of citrus fruits and density from oak. The acidity is beautiful, and the slightly dusty, spicy characteristics from the oak really show off the supremely grown Chardonnay grapes. Roux in particular has managed to do so without a price attached to it that will ask you to leave your car as a deposit.
$59.75
Domaine Gresser Kritt Pinot Blanc ~ Alsace, France
No arguing here, the best Pinot Blanc I've ever had. Grown in very gravelly soil, the wine takes on very dry and earthy qualities with a surprisingly low acidity...not that the acidity is low by any means, it's just low for Alsatian Pinot Blanc. Buy a bottle, you or who ever you are giving it to won't be disappointed.
$24.50
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Red Wines
| | Honig "Bartolucci Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon ~ California
The Bartolucci Vineyard is located at the base of Spring Mountain on the west side of St. Helena, and has been farmed by the Bartolucci family for three generations. That aside, this wine is outstanding. New world Cabernet Sauvignon with balance and structure and just loads of good fruit and earth. Blackberry and black cherry with hints of smoked tea, sweet mint, cedar cigar box, potting soil and toffee. We feel this is the best wine in Napa Valley at the "top dog" level. Best part is, we got a deal on it, and so will you!
$92 (was $130)
La Togata Brunello di Montalcino ~ Italy
Brunello, meaning "large Sangiovese" is a big, expressive wine with stunning structure and loads of character. La Togata has added elegance to that mix as well. From the impressive 2004 vintage (yup, that's what is on our shelves), this wine sees 36 months in Slavonian oak casks and over 12 months of refining. Don't let elegance confuse you though...this wine is still a monster. Huge black fruits with mushroom, black pepper, oak and smokey refined tannins. This wine just screams for attention and gets it well deserved.
$71
Morey Coffinet Bourgogne Rouge ~ Burgundy, France
Essentially, what Pinot Noir is supposed to taste like. This isn't some outrageous house with a specific region attached to it. It's good country wine. Young, but drinkable right away, besides the 2009 we have in now is being highly regarded as an incredible vintage. Great for the collector in your life! Raspberry drives over the cherry backseat driver, and the herbal and mineral tones leave the mouth happy. Outstanding wine.
$31
Don't forget!
All of the wines on our excited rack are value driven and wonderful. If a wine is on that rack, that means we think it is particularly special for what it is. Favorites like Pellehaut Blanc, Casa de Campo Cabernet Sauvignon, and Coto de Hayas will be there throughout the holidays, amongst your other favorites.
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