More Unusual Grapes Plus Summer Faves

We’re not trying to showcase every oddball grape in the world on our weekend tastings, but they keep showing up anyway! This week you’ll get a glimpse of Vaccarese, the most rare permitted grape in the Rhone and a big dollop of Mando, a nearly extinct native of Spain’s Valencia region. Add in some favorites like Champagne, Sancerre and aged Riesling and this is a tasting everyone can love!

Join us Saturday from noon-4pm to sample:

Charles Clement Cuvee Speciale Brut NV – A luxury Champagne in all but price built on 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir with 25% reserve wines, this is loaded with Champagne character in a summer refreshment style.

Cherrier Sancerre Les Cailloux Vielles Vignes 2024 – In a difficult vintage the Cherrier brothers’ old vines on silex soils deliver a classic, old-school, Sancerre that’s full of refreshment and minerality.

Dom De Heron Muscadet Sevre Et Maine Sur Lie 2023 – Melon de Bourgogne grown on schist soils gives more cut, energy and freshness than pure limestone, and schist around 15 inches under the top-soil is the secret to this delicious seafood and sipping white.

Celler Del Roure Valencia Vermell 2022 – This cheerful blend of 50% Mandó, 30% Arcos and 20% Garnacha Tintorera bursts with juicy raspberry fruit with a lift of sweet berry leaf that coats your palate and finishes long and satisfying at 13.5% alcohol.

Dom Ferrand Cotes du Rhone Classique Mistral 2022 – A robust blend of organic Grenache (50%), Syrah (40%), Vaccarèse and Carignan done all in concrete, this is a spicy, fruit-filled, joy for cookouts and other hearty fare.

Dr. Hermann Riesling Auslese Erdener Treppchen 2008 – You hear folks talking all the time about how well German Riesling can age, right?  Well here’s the chance to taste the magic yourself!  Nearly 17 years from the vintage and still delivering the goods.

With the wines: Neals Yard Sparkenhoe Mature Red Leicester. The cheese originated in Leicester, England, in the 1800s with leftover milk used in Stilton production and a touch of annatto for it’s deep red/orange color. The cheese was nearly extinct when Sparkenhoe revived the style in 2005 and Neal’s Yard brought it to market. A little like an aged cheddar, but more crumbly and delicious.

Whether you’re looking for new experiences or the comfort of familiar flavors, you’ll find something delicious on the tasting table from noon-4pm Saturday. Join us!