Joe's Winos Wine Club august 2016

Tenuta Rapitala

Alcamo Classico 2015

Where the rolling hills of Rapitala's estate reach their peak, a small selection of vineyards are planted with traditional Sicilian Catarratto vines. Tenuta Rapitala's Alcamo Classico Bianco, by Sicilian law, must contain at least 80% of the bright and minerally Catarratto grape.The "Vigna Casalj" vineyards, named after the ancient, high altitude estate that once resided there, is planted with 100% Catarratto and is a true expression of this lovely Mediterranean varietal. This Alcamo Classico brings a bright bouquet of lemon blossom, almond pastry, wet stone, pear, and dandelion. The palate is lively and complex with plenty of mineral accompanied by lemon custard, sage, rainier cherry, yellow rose, and caper berries.

Pairings:

Light salad with cranberries and poppy seed dressing. Herb stuffed trout with plenty of lemon.

Clos Du Mont-Olivet

Côtes du Rhône 2013

The Sabon family who run and operate Mont Olivet maintain an enduring legacy of traditional wine making in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Since their founding in 1547, Mont Olivet has forgone trends and fads. The wines all see partial destemming of grapes, crushing and fermenting in concrete vats, and aging in large foudres. Fermented with native yeast and bottled unfiltered, Clos Du Mont-Olivet is a rustic, old-school Côtes du Rhône rarely seen in our market. The earthly, mushroomy nose is complimented by plenty of fennel, thyme, cedar, raspberry liquor, white pepper, and roasted meat. The palate offers ripe cherry, dried herbs, wild tart raspberries, and a hint of pencil shavings. The finish intermingles dusty tannins and pecan bitters that truly ask for a charred meat dish. Enjoy this beautiful relic made in a timeless style.

PAIRINGS:

La Quercia Borsellino Salami (Available here at Joe's!) Marinated and grilled lamb leg, Cassoulet.