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 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba is a super-classic wine from Altare. Punchy red cherry/plum fruit, new leather, licorice and dark spice are front and center. This juicy, avorful Dolcetto delivers the goods, big time.
The 2022 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Tralivio is quite pretty, wafting up with a cascade of wildflowers, stone dust and young peach. This caresses the palate with soft, round textures, showcasing citrus-tinged orchard fruits that...
The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Trevie is a heady, explosive wine. Succulent dark red cherry, plum, mocha, pomegranate, mocha and new leather are amplied to the maximum. This eshy, opulent Barbera packs a serious punch yet also retains a good deal of freshness...
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 Vietti 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria has bright rose, cherry, redcurrant and angel food cake with strawberries. There are mineral notes as well, and the fruit unfolds over the palate with gentle intensity. There is some oak spice, but it is very ...