While not untrue, calling Cheverny a value alternative to Sancerre would completely overlook the virtues unique to this appellation. It is a much zippier expression of Sauvignon Blanc compared to its famous neighbor, more citrusy than grassy. When Kermit introduced this wine in July 1993, he said, “Salvard makes the most drinkable, quaffable Sauvignon Blanc I have ever tasted.” Thierry and Emmanuel Delaille of Domaine du Salvard specialize in crisp, mouthwatering Sauvignon Blanc, but for this cuvée, they add a splash of Chardonnay, which brings complexity, flesh, and notes of Meyer lemon and orchard fruit. The base of Sauvignon Blanc, meanwhile, provides freshness and liveliness as well as its characteristic flavors of passion fruit and lime zest. The two grape varieties combine for outstanding versatility, such that this bottle will serve you well alongside all kinds of seasonal spring fare.
—Tom Wolf (Kermit Lynch)
The 2022 Barbera d'Asti Trevie is a gorgeous entry-level oering from Vietti. In this warm, very dry vintage some of the intense savoriness and minerality of Asti is pushed into the background a bit while the fruit is very much up-front. That makes for ...
The 2019 Barolo is a beautiful new release from Elio Altare. Silvia Altare (Elio's daughter) tells me, "The 2019 vintage was easy to make, resulting in wines that are rich, fat and powerful. The 2018 vintage was lean and 2017 was hot, but 2019 is classic....
With fruit from the Altare family's historic vineyard, with rows that descend from the panoramic terrace in front of the tasting room, comes the 2019 Barolo Arborina. This wine boasts a unique flavor profile with more emphasis on tart fruit, cassis and cr...