Mas Libian Bout D’Zan Cotes du Rhone Rose 2016
This crisp, coppery rosé was grown biodynamically by three sisters who run Mas de Libian, a family estate that dates back to the 1600s. They took over the organic farm, set on a plateau in the rocky terrain of the Ardèche region of the Southern Rhone, from their papa, who had the girls helping out in the vineyards from a young age. The family horse still pulls the plough through the vineyard.. No chemicals are used and very low yields are the norm. The Bout d’Zan (the name referring to a traditional French licorice candy, and is also a nickname the sisters use for their father) is made in the classic Provençal style.
This pink hued beauty comes from a mosaic of different Mas de Libian terroirs – clay-limestone, galets roulés and sandy parcels – and is crafted from one third each of Grenache, Counoise and Syrah. Using the classic Provençal model, all three varieties are delicately pressed into tank after a short maceration. The delicious result reminds of a super-vibrant, pale, baby Bandol. The perfume is lifted with floral and jubey notes while the palate offers pretty red fruits and savoury, sage and rosemary sappiness on the vibrant, crunchy close.
Cooper’s Price $12.99
Cellier des Princes, Le Triporteur Vaucluse Rouge
Created in 1925, the Cellier des Princes is the only cooperative cellar on the Chateauneuf du Pape area. They currently have 185 winegrowers.
Our wines are vinified with a great number of grape varieties – up to thirteen for the Chateauneuf du Pape. The main grapes used are the Grenache, the Syrah or the Mourvedre together with a whole set of ancient varieties.
Formerly the Triporteur rallait villages of France would deliver the wine bottles. Today, the Cellier des Princes was inspired to introduce you to a selection of grenache, syrah, and carignan assembled to bring you soft and fruity wine.
Kevin’s Notes: Much of the time in Europe, vineyards are passed down from generation to generation of growers, similar to what farming families do here in the U.S. Many of these families cannot afford equipment, stainless steel tanks, or the barrels so they form cooperatives and it’s amazing the wine you can get for your money! This is a homerun…
Cooper’s Price $9.99
Mauro Molino Barbera d’ Alba 2016
Established in 1953, the Azienda Agricola Molino, is located near the ancient abbey of S. Martino di Marcenasco and includes one of the most famous crus of the Langhe, “Vigna Conca”, among its vineyards. The estate is run since 1978, year of the death of the founder Giuseppe, by his son Mauro, an oenologist certified at the well known Oenology Institute of Alba. Mauro, due to the experience acquired in various estates in northern Italy, has given a big impulse towards the production of high quality wines. Mauro’s son Matteo, having completed his studies of Oenology, is now working full-time at the estate.
Tasting Notes: Back in March we tasted about 70 Italian wines and this is the first of 12 wines to arrive from our order. You may recall, we featured this wine 3 years when we first opened and it’s stunning this year vwith deep violet red color, fine and fruity bouquet with scents of ripe red berries and minerals. A fresh wine, mellow, and persistent round mouthfeel. It just arrived Thursday and I can’t wait see what you think!
Cooper’s Price $16.99
Marchesi Torrigiani “Torre di Ciardo” 2012
The Torrigiani family entered the “world of wine” in 1280 when the ancestor Ciardo, arrived in Florence, to be part of Arte de’Vinattieri, opening a shop to sell wine and starting a business in Italy which would extend later in all over Europe. The family opened up trade “desks” in Nuremberg in Germany where they made a considerable fortune which would be reinvested over the centuries back into the lands of their origin: Tuscany.
Kevin’s Notes: Well I loved the Chianti so much, I asked for the sales rep to bring me a sample of their entry level “Super Tuscan”. Super Tuscan’s are Italian wines that blend non-traditional grapes that made their way to Italy, such as Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah. This wine is a blend of 70% Sangivese, 15% Canaiolo, and 15% Merlot. The wine is fermented in aged for 10 months in French oak. It is then bottled and aged sometime longer. The wine has a beautiful Old World Italian nose of leather and sweet tobacco mingled with rich lush red fruit. It’s a knock out!!! What I’ve loved about these wines as well is the fact they are not 15% + of alcohol which has been a growing that I’m getting a tired of ~ Salut!!!
Cooper’s Price $15.99
