It Is Back In Stock
Punta Crena, Lumassina - $19 - Liguria, Italy

It may be available at other stores now - but we do have some satisfaction that we introduced it. From a tiny plot of land on the rugged Ligurian Coast. The tiny village of Varigotti sits on the Mediterranean, just a few rows of houses and restaurants on a pristine beach, with its back against steep hills. Climb up into the hills and you will discover neatly terraced vineyards on the slopes and in hidden clearings further up on the peaks.
 
The Ruffino family has been tending these vineyards for over 500 years, hardly changing a thing as they pass their knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

Today the estate is run by four siblings: Tommaso, the eldest, is the winemaker; Paolo is the salesman; Anna handles logistics; and Nicola helps out in the vineyards and winery.

Their mother, Libera, was a strong businesswoman who   revolutionized sales by dealing directly with clients rather than working with the merchants who controlled the market at the time; but today she stays in the background, happily cooking for the constant flow of guests and tending the home-grown vegetable stand in the courtyard as her numerous grandchildren scamper around her.
 
These unpretentious people are firmly rooted in Varigotti, and the wines they craft are infused with local tradition and character.
 
They believe that their only job after the harvest is simply to avoid ruining their lovely fruit as it turns to wine. These are light, fun wines with no pretension. Every bottling from this estate marries beautifully with the local cuisine of fresh vegetables, fritto misto, and fish prepared every way imaginable. Share this wine with your friends and family it is a treat.

Cocolico - $19
French Blend
Grenache,Chenancon,Syrah 
Colline de l'hirondelle
Languedoc - Sud de France - near Corbieres.

Tiny Production - cases number only in the hundreds.
"By the time the meal arrives the bottle is almost always empty."

DEEP red color with violet highlights. Ripe strawberry and raspberry on the nose and very round and ample tannins - these are the first impressions of the Cocolico.

It runs a little "hot" with 15% alcohol but trust me - this is an eye opening food wine.

We will serve this on the cool side around 60 degrees - for your sipping pleasure.

Ercavio - $14
Rated 89 points
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Delightfully light and crisp, the 2011 Ercavio Blanco is a bit reminiscent (but not TOO reminiscent) of kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, with grapefruit and citrus aromas. The wine is surprisingly complex with flavors of Granny Smith apples, pears, grass, and wildflowers with a tonic finish.

TANZER:
"Musky, spice-accented aromas of pear skin, lemon and white flowers, with a bright mineral overtone. Dry and tightly focused, with deeply pitched orchard fruit flavors that put on weight with aeration. Finishes bright and long, with lingering spice and chalky mineral notes. Made in a pretty serious style for the price, delivering serious bang for the buck."

Please try it this Friday.