Newsletter
May 19, 2025 – June 14, 2025
Cassis
2023 Cassis Blanc (Clos d’Albizzi)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
The Albizzi family was originally from Florence, but due to a feud with the de’ Medicis, they fled by boat which sank off the coast of the French village of Cassis. They decided to stay and have made wine ever since. Their 2023 blanc has a sun-kissed color, bright fruit, and a long finish. The exotic mix of Marsanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, and Bourboulenc will be a wonderful match with a whole roasted bass stuffed with lemon and fennel.
Muscadet
2023 Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu (La Berrière)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Are you there Cod? It’s me, Muscadet. I think we could have a good thing going this summer. If you were to be butter-basted with lemon, or breaded and fried with tartar sauce, I could be just the match! With my zest of sea spray and nice rounded weight of orchard fruit we could be delicious together. Let’s give it a try. Sincerely yours, Muscadet.
Vermentino
2023 Vermentino di Gallura (Piero Mancini)
Sale Price $15.99 – $163.10 case of twelve
Vermentino di Gallura was Sardinia’s first DOCG, Italy’s highest wine designation. The rocky soils of Gallura in northeast Sardinia keep yields low, giving impressively concentrated Vermentino. Mancini’s 2023 has lovely floral aromas, exotic fruit, and a mouth-coating finish. Have this with grilled swordfish.
Pansa Blanca
2024 Alella ‘PB’ (Família Pujol-Busquets)
Sale Price $15.99 – $163.10 case of twelve
The village of Alella is located just to the northeast of Barcelona. Over the years most of its vineyards have been replaced by housing, but there is a higher old vineyard area with granite bedrock that still produces excellent Xarel·lo, which in Alella is called Pansa Blanca. The 2024 from Pujol-Busquets is a stony and salty dry white that will match well with a seafood paella and grilled asparagus.
Frappato
2023 Frappato ‘Rina Russa’ (Santa Tresa)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
Vittoria in southeast Sicily is the birthplace of Frappato, and Santa Tresa is a very conscientious steward. They grow their grapes organically and their wines are vegan friendly. Their 2023 is a wonderfully perfumed red with strawberry and cherry fruit. Santa Tresa suggests serving this slightly chilled with grilled tuna. It would also be delicious with a Sicilian pasta dish with sardines, capers, herbs, and olives.
Bandol Rosé
2023 Bandol Rosé (La Bastide Blanche)
Sale Price $29.99 – $305.90 case of twelve
Listed prices are honored through June 14th, 2025. We will not honor mistyped prices. Vol. 49, No. 6
In our opinion Jean-Marc Burgaud’s best wine is his Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles Vignes. But Burgaud’s Beaujolais Lantignié gets the same attention as his cru wines and the quality is not far apart. This 2023 has immediate appeal with its gushing fruit and crisp, lively balance. This is a great value in Gamay. Great with ribs and burgers.
The Shi Fu Mi is back! Last summer this chillable red was a big hit due to its delicious and easygoing nature in both flavor and price. Named after the Japanese term for ‘rock, paper, scissors’ each element on the label symbolizes the land, the grape, and the human hand involved in making wine. Similar to last year’s release, this year’s version is also a biodynamic Grenache-dominant blend sourced from Côtes-du-Rhône. It’s full of red plum, cherries, spring shoots, and a hint of baking spices with light and well-integrated tannins. This is not one of those wines that needs food but can be enjoyed on its own. In fact, Anne Collard made the blend for the purpose of sipping it outdoors during the never-ending dusk of summer nights in southern France.
We don’t apologize for featuring Rhônes in almost every newsletter. After all, our market has a wealth of well-priced, beautifully made wines from that region, so why wouldn’t we take advantage? This month, we have a new producer which is a mother-daughter team based in Vacqueyras with land also in Gigondas. Cécile Dusserre is the 5th generation of her family to head the domaine. She introduced organic viticulture to the family estate in the 2010s and is in the process of handing the reins to her daughter Amélie. Their Côtes-du-Rhône is a Grenache/Syrah blend that is relatively delicate despite having notable savory flavors of black olive and herbs and an intriguing saline finish. It would be perfect for lamb grilled under fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme or an early season ratatouille.
2023 Mâcon-Villages ‘Vieilles Vignes’ (Domaine de la Verpaille) 
While Muga’s red and white Riojas have crept up in price, we can still get a good deal for their rosado. We’re thankful for that as it’s one of our favorites every year. Their lively 2024 rosado is mostly Garnacha with a little Viura. Fresh strawberries, peaches, and white flowers coalesce in the ample, textured body which leads to a crisp and dry finish. Have alongside a Spanish seafood salad.
In an overall review of the village of Chorey-les-Beaune, Master of Wine Clive Coates writes, “It is also the producer of that valuable item, so often overlooked by those in pursuit of the latest perfect score among the grands crus: red Burgundy at an affordable price.” We thoroughly agree and highly recommend the 2022 Chorey from Joseph Drouhin. This more than adequately concentrated Pinot Noir is loaded with scents of dark fruits, violets, and silky tannins. It drinks nicely now, but another three to five years of cellaring will be rewarding.
2024 Pays d’Oc Rouge (Chemin de la Pinède)
Merayo is an incredible value from Bierzo is northwest Spain. Here the Mencía grape bears a resemblance to a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc with its berry fruit and dusty tannins. Great with rice and beans.