deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Fantini Riporta Old Vines Sangiovese IGT (Puglia, Italy) – $18.99, regularly $22.99

Fantini Group is established in Abruzzo, Italy, the “Green Region” of Europe where the high mountains that rise close to the coast generate a rare and previous microclimate, natural essence for wines of absolute elegance and consistency.

The “Riporta” line of wines is a project that comes from the idea of putting in a bottle the magical regions (Abruzzo, Puglia and Sicilia), the passion of winemakers and the knowledge that has been handed down for millennia. The harmony of its fruits is the result of the patient work of the farmers who have supported the elements of nature for generations. In every region, our winemakers live in symbiosis with the grapes and are brought to the cellar until they are turned into the wines that live up to our fame.

Our weekly offer this week is their Old Vines Sangiovese, the grapes were grown in Bari and Foggia on a south eastern exposure. 10-20% of the wine was aged in oak while the remainder was aged in stainless steel. Garnet red, fruity with a winy note and wood flavor. Intense and persistent medium-bodied red with good tannins, balanced and ready to drink. Pair with Italian traditional cooking, with meat and baked poultry.

Fantini Riporta Old Vines Sangiovese IGT (Puglia, Italy) – $18.99, regularly $22.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Emendis Cabro! Negre Tempranillo (Catalonia, Spain) – $18.49, regularly $22.99.

The Emendis estate covers 48 hectares of distinctive clay soil, low in organic matter and chalk but rich in magnesium, which contributes the essential acidity to preserve the fresh, vibrant character of their wines. While more famous for their Cava’s and white wines, they do produce reds made from Tempranillo, Merlot and Monastrell grapes. Emendis applies integrated viticulture, respecting and coexisting with the flora and fauna of the environment and is constantly aware of the climate changes that may affect the vines. The vineyards are grown individually adapted to the specific needs of each variety.

Our weekly offer this week is their Cabro! Negre Tempranillo. Cabró means born wherever it pleases – it is A DO Catalunya wine unoaked made from Temperanillo and Merlot averaging 35 years of age. The color is red robe with violet hues. The bouquet displays aromas of fruits of the forest (blackberry and sloe) and of Mediterranean undergrowth, such as licorice and aromatic herbs. The palate is clean and pleasant. Soft and well integrated tannins. It is perfect for brightening up your everyday meals at home or for being your best ally in the most fun plans – a barbecue with friends, a silly afternoon on your cousin’s neighbor’s terrace.

Prost!

Emendis Cabro! Negre Tempranillo (Catalonia, Spain) – $18.49, regularly $22.99.

Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $20.49, regularly $25.49

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cadet de la Bégude IGP Mediterranee Rouge (Bandol, France) – $21.49, regularly $25.99.

Domaine de La Bégude is an organically certified vineyard located in the hills of Limoux, South of France in the wine region of Bandol . Situated at 300m altitude in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it dates back to the 7th century, with its cellar housed in an ancient Merovingian chapel of the lordship of Conil. Since the 18th century, Domaine de La Bégude has also been a refuge for pilgrims and wine lovers, offering shelter against bandits. Left abandoned over time, the Tari family managed to revive the estate in 1996, continuing this winemaking tradition.

Presently owned by the Roulleau family, Domaine de La Bégude carries on this heritage with ambitious projects. The rehabilitation of the 7th-century chapel and the planting of new vines are part of initiatives to preserve and enhance this unique heritage while developing and diversifying the vineyard. Furthermore, Domaine de La Bégude is open to wine tourism, allowing visitors to discover the history and wines of the estate while enjoying a privileged natural setting.

Our weekly offer this week is their Cadet Rouge, a 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre blend grown on limestone clay soil and aged in stainless steel tanks. Its purple color captures the eye with violet highlights. On the first nose, aromas of black cherries appear, enhanced by light spicy and minty notes. The harmonious and fruity palate expresses itself with precision on smooth tannins. The long, spicy and generous finish is a classic wine in the spirit of the Domaine’s wines. A wine is to be enjoyed in its youthful exuberance or to be kept for several years. Certified organic.

Prost!

Cadet de la Bégude IGP Mediterranee Rouge (Bandol, France) – $21.49, regularly $25.99.

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