Pricing will be added once I actually have the wines in hand! They should run between $9 and $15 a bottle.
Zeni, Bardolino DOC (Veneto, Italy) “Mr. Lake” 2023 $9
Bardolino DOC wines are my exciting find in 2024. Bardolino is located along Lake Garda in the Veneto Region of Italy. Zeni’s “Mr. Lake” is light in body with notes recalling tart pomegranate, wild strawberries, rose petal perfume, and lots of minerality including wet concrete and crushed rocks. Bardolino wines are modest in weight, but their natural acidity and sharp flavors keep me coming back.
91 Vince Simmon
Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) “Le Orme” 2021 $14.50
Review below is for the 2022 vintage:
This “Le Orme” is made from Chiarlo’s four Barbera vineyards in Nizza, including the old vine La Court estate. It was aged for 16 months total with 4 months in large oak. Offered as the winery’s ready-to-drink Barbera, it is indeed fresh and fruit-forward. But it also displays considerable depth and typical Barbera character at this attractive price. Blackberry and plum aromas are easily coaxed out of the glass. The flavors are ripe and juicy but nicely held in check by soft tannins. Simply put: there is a lot of wine here for the money. 91 Norm Roby
Surrau, Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (Sardinia, Italy) “Limizzani” 2023 $14
Vermentino is a grape that yields an aromatic white wine that is known as Rolle in France, Favorita in Piedmont, and Pigato in Liguria, among other designations. Gallura is located on the north end of the island of Sardinia. Here, the granite-based soils, sea breezes and sunny days provide a special terroir in which the Vermentino grape thrives. Vermentino di Gallura has long been recognized as a distinctive and quality growing area, and was awarded DOCG status in 1996. Vigne Surrau was established by a Sardinian family with generations of winegrowing experience. Their 2023 Limizzani Vermentino di Gallura is a fresh and aromatic wine that exemplifies the best qualities of Vermentino. It is a luscious sensory experience for those new to this variety. Its rich aromas of linden flower, peach, ripe apple and tropical fruits are enhanced by herb and citrus peel hints. The flavors are exotic and appealing with the luscious apricot, peach and pineapple fruits backed by delicate floral, mint and citrus peel tones. It is a delicious example that invites another sip.
92 Wayne Belding
Inama, Soave Classico (Veneto, Italy) 2023 $14
The name of Soave has been diminished over the years as high volume production from lesser vineyard sites has dominated the appellation. The best Soaves from the Classico district retain the vibrant and distinctive style that made the village famous. The Inama family has been making high quality wines for decades. Their vineyards are on steep slopes with dark basalt-based soils below Monte Foscarino. Inama’s 2023 Soave Classico enhances the family’s quality tradition. This is a pure and exuberant white wine, with lovely scents of apple, peach, lemon, lily, and subtle herbs. The flavors are refreshing and complex, with layers of citrus, apple and peach nuances enhanced by elements of marjoram and lemon zest. This is impressive Soave that might change your impression of what the wine can be. Drink it with your favorite seafood or roasted fowl recipe.
93 Wayne Belding
Les Lauzeraies – Tavel 2023 $15
ROSE WINE
Les Lauzeraies Tavel is the “Original Rosé”, before rosé was cool. Tavel is the Rhône Valley’s rosé-only appellation. These wines have nice grip and body so they can be drunk year-round and even benefiting from aging. Make no mistake however, this is still Rosé, meant to be chilled and enjoyed with a wide range of meals; it’s a great pick for Thanksgiving! A Grenache dominant blend of numerous grapes (including the white varieties Clairette and Picpoul), this wine undergoes a longer maceration than most rosé, up to 48 hours, which brings out that deeper character and color. Displaying a generous mouthfeel, excellent purity, lovely florals (violets, roses) and a light spice note, Les Lauzeraies shows great versatility and range. From the Distributor
The following wines will also be available for tasting:
Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc – $10
Dark Horse Rose and Sauvignon Blanc – $9
And whatever else comes in this week!!
Pantry Items available:
- King Arthur Sir Galahad Flour – $6.75 5# bag
- Instant dry yeast – 2 oz/$2
- KBM classic pie dough – enough for a 10 inch pie shell – $6 per disc (FYI, this pastry is currently made with all butter) (comes frozen)
- Maldon flaky sea salt – $1.50 per oz. (about 1/4 cup)
- Bel Aria capers – in salt – $2.50 per oz (about 1/4 cup)
- Shrimp – $14.75lb – 16/20 IQF
- Pecorino Romano – $20 lb (Italy)
Information:
While we have changed our focus lately, concentrating on in-house luncheons, we also do small carry-out catering jobs as well, such as small dinner or cocktail parties, supplies for picnics and boat rides, tailgate specialties or sides for the crab feast, special orders don’t upset us! A week’s notice is preferred but you never know about last minute either.
Call or email for more ideas and to book your event.