All posts by Tyson Vamvas

This month’s staff picks selected by Tyson

Paul Autard Cotes Du Rhone
Was $15.99 Now $13.43 
Neighboring the prestigious region of  Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this amazing little blend has many of the same characteristics at a fraction of the price!   

Autard’s Côtes-du-Rhône is a smoky, complex wine, loaded with warm raspberry fruit, showing many of the best attributes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 
—VOS Selections 

Charles Baur Cremant d’Alsace
Was $19.99 Now $16.79
Made in the same method as Champagne, this value driven sparkler is packed full of big flavors at a very small price.  

Fine bubbles, expressive bouquet with aromas of white flowers, melon and grapefruit. The mouthfeel is fresh, delicate, well balanced, with notes of pear and white peach.
 —VOS Selections

Eminence Road Farm Winery Pinot Gris
Was $19.99 Now $16.79
    Sourced from the Western shores of Lake Cayuga, this unique example of Pinot Gris (also called Grigio) shows how this is much more than a neutral, straw-colored grape and can produce some exciting wines.  The grapes naturally have a purple hue to them, which does translate to the finished product. 

Amber-rose color, nose of ripe papaya and orange zest and slate.  Full body palate with tropical fruit flavors and a rich, sale, glycerin finish.
–Eminence Road Farm Winery

Rubesto Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Riserva

Was $16.99 Now $14.27
Spending 12 months in oak, this Montepulciano shows great depth of flavors and aromas.

This is a deep ruby red colored wine with garnet reflections, aromas of ripe-red fruits and hints of vanilla and spice.  On the palate the great structure of this wine can be appreciated.  It is warm, strong and persistent with a long finish –  goes well with game, red meat and mature cheeses.  Decanting for one hour prior to serving is recommended in order to enjoy all the nuances this wine has to offer. 

—Tricana Imports Inc

See Tyson’s previous picks here.

Summer is almost officially here!  More importantly, the changing of the season means it’s white wine time again.  One of my favorite areas to enjoy on a warmer day is Montlouis.  Greatly underappreciated, the region sits across the Loire River from its more well-known neighbor, Vouvray.  Like Vouvray, the only white grape grown within Montlouis is Chenin Blanc.  Generally speaking, the wines are more precise, acidic and show more fresh characteristics than Vouvray.

As most of my friends, family and everyone within shouting distance know the two we carry are my go-to bottles for the price.  The sparkling we carry is by one of the most well known and respected producers in the area, Francois Chidaine. The Montlouis Brut Methode Traditionelle displays beautiful fresh notes of white flowers, zesty citrus and a bright mineral characteristic.

If bubbles aren’t your thing, the still Montlouis we have will make you happy.  The wine, Le Rocher Des Violettes Touche Mitaine ( “touch of a mitten” in English) is explosively flavorful.  This straddles the balance of being very round in feel, but it delivers a laser-beam of minerally citrus fruit that will leave your mouth watering for more.

Enjoy these for the everyday price of $19.99 each, and see what the magical world of Chenin is all about!

See Tyson’s previous staff picks here.