Rose Wine
2024 Ameztoi - Rose Getariako Txakolina Rubentis (750ml)
The iconic Ameztoi Rubentis rosé is a field blend of the local, indigenous hondarrabi zuri and hondarrabi beltza varieties, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain’s rugged northern coast. In the 2000s, when almost all of the other local wineries gave up on the indigenous red hondarrabi beltza vines, the Ameztoi family retained their old vines, in turn, lending their rosé such exceptional vibrancy and complexity.
Rubentis, the region’s first pink wine, was inspired by the historic claret style wines which were once produced in the area long before the current global craze made rosé famous. The backbone of the blend comes from an old hondarrabi beltza vineyard planted in 1840, preserved by the Ameztoi family for generations. Ameztoi Rubentis is an authentic original, a wine that is often imitated but never replicated.
Vinification – After handpicking, hondarrabi zuri and hondarrabi beltza grapes are combined for destemming; the white and red grapes are worked together, not separately. After direct pressing, fermentation with indigenous yeast occurs in stainless steel at 15°C for 20 days. Towards the end of alcoholic fermentation, the tanks are closed to preserve the naturally occurring carbonation, which is the preferred style of Getaria. The tanks are then kept chilled to near freezing before bottling, which preserves the wine’s delicate, effervescent character and signature mousse. These attributes are unattainable through shortcuts such as force-carbonation, which Ameztoi has never employed.
-Importer notes
2023 Azores Wine Company - Pico Rose Vulcanico
25% Saborinho, 25% Agronomica, 25% Aragones, 25% Touriga Nacional. This is a micro-production wine from the tiny island of Pico in the Azores. It is Sustainably grown in tiny plots (2 to 6 bush trained vines per square) planted in 1991 in volcanic soil at sea level, less than 50m from the Atlantic. This terroir and the varietal imbue this wine with incredible minerality and purity, as well as unmistakable salinity. Perhaps the most maritime rosé in existence.
2024 Chateau de Saint-Martin - Cotes de Provence Rose No 2 (750ml)
Chateau de Saint Martin is one of the most premium producers in the appellation of Provence. Its vineyards are overlooked by a large Chateau built in 1740. The original site was a priory of the monks of Lerins, with the old cellars underneath still intact and dating from the 12th century. The vineyards of Chateau de Saint Martin sit at an altitude of up to 130 metres, and lie at the junction of two distinct geological zones, offering an unique terroir. Classified as a "Cru Classe," Saint Martin produces some of the finest Provencal Rose in the world, as well as other reds and whites in smaller amounts.
2024 Chateau Pigoudet - Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose Premiere (750ml)
2024 Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose (750ml)
I must confess that I still have a soft spot for Pradeaux's rosé, and the 2024 Bandol Rose is no exception. Unfurling in the glass with notes of red berries, spices, spring flowers and apricots, it's medium- to full-bodied, complex and elegant in profile,...
2024 Ciavolich - Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC (750ml)
This wine showcases a deep straw-yellow hue and a captivating nose, offering delicate hints of chamomile and bright citrus notes of lemon. On the palate, it is silky with a voluptuous body, revealing layers of fruit including orange marmalade, candied pear, and ripe yellow stone fruits. The finish is long and mouthwatering, with vibrant acidity that keeps the flavors fresh, while lingering notes of orange and yellow fruits are complemented by a subtle salinity. A beautifully balanced wine with great depth and complexity. - TA
2022 Ciavolich - Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Fosso Cancelli (750ml)
The 2022 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Fosso Cancelli wafts up with a citrustinged blend of strawberries and lavender. It's round, verging on fleshy yet not entirely, with masses of mineral-tinged red berries perfectly offset by zesty citrus tones. The 2022 clean...
2021 Ciavolich - Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT Fosso Cancelli (750ml)
The 2021 Pecorino Fosso Cancelli opens with a tropical burst of citrus that gives way to rubbed sage and nectarines. Juicy and wickedly fresh, this gains depth and complexity through a core of salty minerality as tart orchard fruits cascade throughout....
