This month’s staff picks selected by Tyson
Paul Autard Cotes Du RhoneWas $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.
Pineau des Charentes Vieux, a ‘Vin de Liqueur’ is a liqueur from the Charentais (Cognac) region of western France, and is made by adding 6 yr aged Grande Champagne Cognac to Ugni Blanc grape must and then aged for 30 years (20 yrs longer than required) making this a rare example of an exquisite aperitif. Candied tangerine peel mingles with salted caramel, and fresh tropical fruit ending in a long, finish of berries with toasted almond, marzipan and hints of candied citrus rind. The nose is intoxicating; the taste is exhilarating; and the finish magnificent. Since this is a fortified wine it will keep for several weeks after opening as long as it is stored in a cool dark area. Consume as you would a fine port.
Gaujal de Saint Bon, Picpoul de Pinet, (French for ‘Lip Stinger’) is a white wine from Coteaux du Laguedoc, Southern France. Sharp citrus notes of lemon peel, light tropical fruit, with hint of green apple. This appellation is close to the Mediterranean Sea and it picks up a slight brine note in the mid palate much the same as sipping a wine on a beach. This subtle note combines with the sharp citrus, herbal notes and minerals to produce a wine that’s perfect for seafood, especially oysters! If you’re not a seafood fan, then chill this down and enjoy its crisp clean feel and finish on its own or with some semi soft cheese and fruit plate.