New Fall Finds
Free tasting | Friday, September 29, 2017 | 5-7PM
Our friend Jackson from Mise Wines. is kicking off the beginning of Salem-October-crazy with some crazy-good wines. We can't wait to see you!
Valli Unite 'Allegretto' (NV) – Piedmont, Italy, $20
Founded 30 years ago in Colli Tortonesi by three, young farmers dedicated to rural Italy, organic agriculture and sustainable living. Today the co-operative has over 30 organic growers producing wines, grains, fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, in addition to supplying their own restaurant, shop and inn with their organic products. The Allegretto is a Pét-nat (moderate sparkling) of Cortese and Malvasia with no added sulfites. Here are some pictures of Valli Unite below.
Jasper Sisco 'Gratus Byrum' (2015) – Columbia Valley, Oregon, $18
Hop into this wine label to travel to Hogwarts or onto The Polar Express depending on whether you believe in Wizardry or presents! The purity of the snow on this wine label is an example of the immaculacy of the grapes, natural winemaker Justin Paul Russell, craves to project. His Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Muscat blend has notes of raw honey, laser-like acidity, and unique earthiness that comes from the fires that raged near the Fruitland Valley Vineyard.
Mica Vinho Verde (2016) – Minho, Portugal, $17
Next to the word 'Vinho Verde' in a dictionary there should be the words: enthusiastic, young, and teamwork. That is what the soul of this region amounts too, whether in this Mica or in general. Most Vinho Verde's are blends of snazzy native grapes like Azal, Loureiro, or Alvarinho. Mica is the brainchild of a gathering of organic villagers in Sousa who brought their grapes together to create this refreshing wine, with notes of green apple and a delightful spritz.
Vignoble Reveille 'Ultra Violet' (2013) – Languedoc-Roussillon, France, $29
Since 2006, France Crispeels has approached her winemaking at Vignobile Reveille as an artisan, thanks to her first career involving architecture and film. Her Ultra Violet Syrah is as bold as Marion Cotillard and is as structured and playful as St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow (aka the large green and pink 'onion' domed building with the sharp spikes) with its spicy notes, earthiness, and blackberry finish. Vignobile Reveille uses organic practices and is in the process of becoming 100% biodynamic.
Monte Bernardi 'Retromarcia' Chianti (2015) – Tuscany, Italy, $27
Bottles of Retromarcia, or “reverse-gear”, include a cork with an imprint of a stick shift. Michigan native, Michael Schmelzer, bought Tuscan land in 2003 and makes unbelievable Sangiovese on the Monte Bernardi estate extending over 53 hectares (130 acres). The vineyards are situated in the hilly, southern-most region of Panzano, an area that has been acknowledged as one of the Grand Cru of Chianti Classico. Retromarcia is some of the best value Chianti on the market! It is a must try! Vines are planted on shale, sandstone, and limestone, and at an expose of 350 meters above sea level, all of these factors contribute to the unique micro-climate of Monte Bernardi.