Fratelli Povero Roero Arneis – The Arneis grape variety, whose origin is lost in the mists of time, is cultivated since ancient times in the hilly and sandy soils of the Roero. Here the Tenuta Fratelli Povero owns the “Terre del Conte” vineyard from which they obtain all the product necessary for the production of their Roero Arneis, a wine that now ranks among the great D.O.C.G. whites of the Italian oenological tradition. “This single vineyard Arneis is straw yellow in color with greenish reflections. It shows intense fruity and mineral aromas, with hints of green apple, pear, honey and the light almond note at the end. It is complex and full-bodied in the mouth, balanced by a good acidity and freshness. Intense and unique. Best served at around 10°C, the Arneis wine is a good aperitif and goes well with appetizers, creamy and velvety soups and with fish dishes. Cooper’s Price $12.99
Pellehaut Gascogne Rosé – 30% Merlot – 10% Syrah – 10% Malbec – 5% Pinot Noir – 25% Cabernet Sauvignon – 20% Tannat. Harvesting is done by machine and each variety is picked and vinified separately. Once at the winery, the grapes are very carefully de-stemmed and crushed, before being transferred to stainless steel vats. The grapes are left to macerate for a short while and the lightly colored must is then run off, producing a delicate rosé by the saignée method (which literally means to bleed). The unfermented grape juice is vinified at low temperature (between 15 and 17°C). Once the alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wines are left on their lees (live yeast cells) at low temperature to maximize the primary fruit aromas. The wine is lightly fined and filtered before bottling. The color is pale pink with hints of salmon. The nose is very expressive: raspberry with strawberry jam with light touches of rhubarb and mint evokes ice cream and red fruit sorbets. On the palate it is a berry coulis (puree) without the sweetness. Round, long and refreshing finish; a pleasant wine for the warmer weather. Cooper’s Price $9.99
Lapierre Raisins Gaulois – The methods at Lapierre are just as revolutionary as they are traditional; the detail and precision with which they work is striking and entirely different from the mass-produced majority of Beaujolais on the market today. Decomposed granite comprises most of their eleven hectares, and the vines are an average of 45 years of age. Grapes are picked at the last possible moment to obtain the ripest fruit, which is a trademark of the estate style. The Lapierres age their wines on fine lees for at least nine months in oak foudres ranging from three to thirteen years old. These wines are the essence of Morgon: bright, fleshy fruit with a palatable joie de vivre that was undoubtedly inherited from their creator. This cuvée takes the Vin de France appellation, because the Beaujolais’ governing body decided to do away with the Vin de Pays designation in Beaujolais, leaving only the appellations and Vin de France. The wine is still almost all from the cru of Morgon, with a little bit of A.O.C. Beaujolais as well. This is a fresh, juicy, jubilant Gamay that is bursting with exuberant raspberry and red cherry flavors and aromas. It’s organic, natural, low sulphur and only 12.5% abv. If you think you can have just one glass, you’re doomed. This is just too good! Cooper’s Price $14.99
Husch Mojo Red Blend – Husch has seen several generations of family over the years and now the fourth generation is running through the winery. At age 15, Morgan Joseph (Mojo) isn’t quite a full-fledged winemaker, but he is a favorite with the tasting room staff and visitors. It is no surprise that the Mojo Red has developed a loyal following; high quality estate-bottled wine from a local producer at an affordable price is a growing rarity these days. The Mojo Red is as much fun to make as it is to drink. With no fixed rules, we blend until it tastes just right! The 2016 release is a blend containing grapes from all of our top red programs. Approach this wine with high expectations; despite the price, this wine is hand-crafted in small batches, seeing the same love and attention that all our wines receive. The deep garnet color, diverse range of aromas and massive fruit flavors make this wine a great everyday red. This wine pairs well with life, and any of your favorite dishes. Best enjoyed in its youth. Cooper’s Price $16.99
