Joe's Winos Wine Club oCTOBER 2016

Treize Vents

Picpoul de Pinet 2015

I'm always excited when someone hasn't heard of Picpoul de Pinet. These lovely mineral driven, crisp fruit whites are produced in the Languedoc region of Southwest France. These wines are extremely versatile as an aperitif and pair well with an array of foods, particularly in the seafood realm. Picpoul fell out of popularity during The Great French Wine Blight of the 1850's due to its sensitivity to mildew. Modern trellising techniques have allowed the grape to reach a global stage and its popularity has seen a sharp increase. melon, ocean air, beeswax, lemon peel, thyme and sage. The palate brings plenty of lemon custard, bright, mouthwatering acidity and finishes with a combination of briny minerality and honeydew melon. Not only is this delicious but its also very reasonably priced. Try steaming some mussels in this!

Pairings:

Flavorful seafood such as steamed Mussels, Clams, or Scallops. Rich creamy cheeses and sauces like Spaghetti Carbonara.

Tenuta Rapitala

Alto Nero d'Avola 2014

This incredibly dynamic Nero d'Avola grape is a relative newcomer to our markets with only about 15 years of being produced on a world scale. The obscurity of the varietal is by no fault its style. Think Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah with smoke, spice and structure. Production and wine-making in the far reaches of southern Italy have only recently been modernized given these beautiful old vines a chance to be made in a manner that is expressive without being overbearingly rustic. A nice side effect of Nero's late arrival is the price points. You can drink top of the line for under $30. A nose of smoked, cured meat, red roses and pomagranite lead to a palate of leather, pipe tobacco blueberries and plum. Hints of molassas, spicebox, and black pepper flow into the long warm cinnamon finish.

PAIRINGS:

Balsamic Glazed Roast Leg of Lamb and roasted vegetables.