Domaine Henri Pellé Menetou-Salon Rosé Morogues 2017 – The winemaker is the youthful Paul-Henri Pellé, grandson of the domaine’s founder, Henri Pellé. Paul-Henri’s mother, Anne, took control of the estate following the accidental death of her husband, the founder’s son, Eric, in 1995. Anne handles the business end, while her son spends his time in the vineyards and the domaine’s ultra-modern cellars.
Direct pressing of grapes on arrival at the winery and fermentation in casks. Aged on the lees in stainless steel vats
From The Winery: Our Domaine takes its roots in Morogues, a village at the far eastern end of the Loire Valley. Our cellars are close to the village centre, nestling below our beautiful “Les Cris” red grape vineyard. In each of our vineyard plots in the neighboring Menetou-salon and Sancerre appellations, we observe Mother Nature, cherishing and working with her so that she gives us her very best in return. In this part of the world, we think, make, and drink wine; sharing ideas, a glass of wine or two, and the taste of our land, with our friends and customs.
Kevin’s Notes: This is one our richer rosés as it offers aromatics of red berries ie. cranberry and ripe strawberry. Being made from Pinot Noir, this is a SERIOUS rosé and is NOT commonly found in the country, let alone in our valley. This is a VERY special price offering that was given to our store from our wholesaler. This price is temporary and when it’s gone – it’s gone!
Cooper’s price $16.99
St. Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone – Château de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces benchmark wines of the appellation. The property has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1570. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992 making a dramatic shift to quality and converting to biodynamics in 2010. The estate lies in the heart of Gigondas where 15 hectares of vineyards grow in the shade of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain. In addition to the estate-grown wines labeled “Château de Saint Cosme,” Louis Barruol buys grapes from contracted growers, labeling these “négociant” wines simply as “Saint Cosme.”
Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône is produced from 100% Syrah and is from the rocky and cool vineyards of Vinsobres and the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. Vinsobres brings freshness and complexity while the terraced vineyards of the Gard contribute color and power. The wine is partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats.
This Syrah grows in ideal terroirs of the southern Rhône and shows the varietal’s typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper. With its deep flavors and firm tannins, it is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.
Cooper’s Price $16.99
Envínate Benje Tinto 2017 – The brainchild of Laura Ramos, Jose Martínez, Roberto Santana and Alfonso Torrente, four friends who met while studying winegrowing at the University of Miguel Hernández in Alicante. Their work, both in the vineyard and winery, is focused on exploring the ancient, Atlantic-infused terruños of Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands, as well as exceptional vineyard plots across the Iberian Peninsula. The Envínate philosophy is simple: allow each parcel to fully express itself in the finished wine by utilizing old-fashioned farming and winemaking methods. The results are some of the most exciting wines being produced in Spain today.
The Benje wines are from vineyards in and around Santiago del Teide, high on the northwestern volcanic slopes of the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands). The viticulture is very old- fashioned: the vines grow untrained, the soil is worked by hand, and no chemicals are used. The island experiences a fairly temperate climate, enabling grapes to ripen at moderate alcohol levels while retaining bright acidity. The main challenges to viticulture are winds from the Atlantic and Africa and fluctuations in humidity.
Benje Tinto is sourced from several old-vine, untrained pie franco parcels of Listan Prieto (aka Mission or País). Each parcel is hand-harvested, destemmed and vinified separately, some in concrete and some in small open tubs. Maceration is 10-20 days (depending on parcel) with daily punch-downs, pressed 40% into concrete tank and the remainder into neutral French barriques for malolactic fermentation and aging on fine lees for 8 months, without battonage or added SO2. Bottling is without filtration, and clarified using natural vegetable proteins. This is a pure and vertical expression of high elevation, volcanic Canary terruño with notes of red and black fruits, peppercorns, purple flowers, and volcanic soil – a beautiful wine to pair with grilled meats and mojo rojo.
Cooper’s Price $24.99
Chateau La Graula Bordeaux Superieur – This estate has been in the Bessette family since 1971. Jean-Paul, Alice and their son Mathieu are dedicated to their winemaking, and the resulting wines have bags of character. The vineyard sits right on the edge of the Bordeaux AOC, practically touching that of Bergerac. The vines benefit from a great mix of chalk and clay in the soil, bringing poise and balance to the wines. Typifying the red Bordeaux it goes through fermentation and a long maceration in stainless steel vats, then maturing in stainless steel vats and partially aged in oak barrels. 50% Merlot, 35% Cab. Franc, 15% Cab. Sauvignon
Deep red color with garnet tints. Black fruit aromas with a hint of toasted oak from the barrel aging. Delicate and supple, supported by beautiful tannins, round with a fine finish. Pair with red meats, roast chicken, and soft-ripened cheese. This wine will age well up to 6 years.
Cooper’s Price $16.99
