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Ken's Picks


Galassi Sangiovese Passito Appassimento 2022 DOC 14.5% abv.  Romagna, Italy

Tasting Notes: Sangiovese (blood of Jupiter) is the staple of Tuscany, underpinning well known Chianti and Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano. Here, in Romagna, north and east of Tuscany, this wine is made 'appassimento' meaning the harvested grapes are dried indoors in lofts with open windows for ventilation (some winemakers, though, still sun-dry their grapes). The grapes dry for three weeks to six months, losing 10 to 60 percent of their moisture content, depending on the grape variety and desired style of wine. The desired style for this wine is, well, desirable! Medium deep scarlet, almost impenetrable, the wine exudes aromas of sage, fennel, plum skin, black cherry, vanilla, red licorice, loam, and a touch of toasty oak. The smooth, full palate brims with good, ripe fruit: black currants, plums, dark cherries. Tannins are soft, finish is medium long. Very nicely done!! Pair with rich pastas, grilled meats, savory risottos, hard cheeses, and good friends! I paired it with grilled franks, excellent! Drink now - 2028.

Price: $31.99 750 ml

 

Ken's Picks


Zenato Valpolicella 'Ripassa' Ripasso Superiore 2020 DOC 14% abv  Lombardy-Veneto Lugana, Italy

Tasting Notes: The venerable Zenato team has another winner! Showing a deep scarlet ruby, this wine is packed with aromas of plum, kirsch, black currant jam, loam, and black licorice. Medium full in body, with medium grained, integrated tannins, the palate shows off polished notes of sultanas, currants, chokecherry reduction, and licorice confirmed. Sturdy, with good depth. Medium length finish. An extremely versatile wine; pair with pasta in red sauce, lasagna, roasts, lamb, risotto, game. Drink now-2028. Vegan Friendly.

Price: $31.99 750 ml

 

Ken's Picks


Freixenet Primitivo IGP 14% abv  Puglia, Italy

Tasting Notes: Freixenet is known to almost anyone who drinks wine as an established producer of Cava. This venture sees them in Italy where they are carving out a name for themselves producing table wines. This savory expression shows a deep ruby/red tea color. On the nose, loam, savory herbs such as sage and tarragon, and cherry reduction. The palate is medium full, round and fleshy. Plums, dates, black cherries dominate, with smooth tannins. Very good depth. Drink now-2027ish. Pairs with pasta in marinara sauce, pizza, panini. Vegan Friendly.

Price: $18.99 750 ml

 

Ken's Picks


Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Non Vintage Methode Traditionelle 12.5% abv.  Carneros, California

Tasting Notes: Spanning both Napa and Sonoma, Carneros is defined by maritime influences of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It is an ideal location to grow grapes destined for sparkling wines. Color: 14K gold, golden apple juice. Aroma: baked apple, pear, quince, hint of ginger, toasted bread crust. Palate: full, with an expansive mousse, apple, toast, brown butter, roasted walnuts and pecans. Acidity holds it all beautifully. The bead is tight, vigorous and persistent: indicates the length of time the wine has aged on the lees (18 months according to the winemaker). Perlage is delicate and fine. A delicious, elegant addition to your Christmas and New Year festivities. Pair with about anything you can think of, but wow, it would completely elevate the Christmas breakfast table! Drink now.

Price: $34.99 750 ml

 

Ken's Picks


Catena White Clay High Mountain Vines Semillon-Chenin 2022 13% abv.  Lujan De Coyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Tasting Notes: Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina. This blend of Semillon(60%) and Chenin Blanc (40%) is Argentina’s century-old traditional white wine. It's a riff on the traditional Bordeaux pairing of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is super expressive, with beautiful melon, pear, citrus, gala apple, and mineral on the nose. The palate is medium-light, but follows a good arc: textured and creamy, confirming the layered nose: melon, apple, with a great cauliflower floret back note. A white wine of excellent character! Pairs with pasta (cream sauces), risotto, grilled veggies (any veggies), fish, chicken, veal; would be at home with Christmas turkey! Drink now.

Price: $24.99 750 ml

 

Ken's Picks


Familia De Cerchio Tenuta De Pajaru Lampu Susumaniello IGT 2021  Puglia, Italy

Tasting Notes: Susumaniello is another indigenous grape from Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot. The “Lampu”, from the local dialect which means lightning, heralds the arrival of rain in Puglia, a blessing for the crops. Dense, opaque, ox-blood red with a dark magenta rim, the wine has a complex aroma of sage, bramble, dusty loam, blackberry and tomato paste. The palate is deep and full of dark fruit: plums, dates, black cherries. Ripe tannins, full body, medium long finish. Certified Organic, Vegan Friendly. Deelish! Pair with the usual suspects: roasts, grilled meats, hard cheeses. Drink now- 2028 ish.

Price: $36.49 750 ml.

 

Ken's Picks


Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc 2020 12.5% abv.  Martinborough, New Zealand

Tasting Notes: The Te Muna Road vineyard consists of two distinct soil types — the sauvignon blanc grows on a lower terrace over stony soils sprinkled with limestone, perfect for developing expressive and complex Sauvignon Blanc. Pale straw with light gold tints, on the nose the wine shows passion fruit, salinity, guava, grilled pineapple, minerality. The elegant palate confirms the nose, and adds green apple, papaya, honeydew melon, and lime rind. The balance of acid to fruit is superb. This wine shows impeccable pedigree. Pair with seafood, salads, Asian foods. It really matched a chicken pizza with hoisin sauce and cilantro (home made, on my BBQ grill)! Drink now - 2026.

Price: $27.99 750 ml.

 

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