Dog-Days Update Revisited!


The other day I sensed the long days of summer will soon be ending, but nevertheless, here’s to hoping for more warm weather.  Stay tuned for more updates in September, and please stay safe and healthy.
Cheers!

August is flying by and like everyone these days, we’re unsure what to expect leading up to a very late Labor Day holiday and the days beyond.

We are excited to tell you about some old favorites returning to our warehouse (much anticipated) and also a few exciting, new surprises.

New From le Clos des Jarres

Vivien Helmsdael has been meticulously farming his families plots of mixed grapes in the northwest corner of Minervois (Languedoc) for some years now, and converting from Organic to Biodynamic farming as well, while consistently running afoul of the AOC, hearing that his wines aren’t “typical”, and are too “raw”.

We have always felt his wines to be multi-layered, giving, and well-made examples of Minervios, that reflect each vintage, ready to drink now and in the next few years.

2019 Tralari Rouge IGP Coteaux de Peyriac – 3L BiB  

This year, faced with a difficult harvest, Vivien made his first wines in Bag-in-Box, and we are excited to have this GSC-blend, Tralari, at an amazing price!

Other favorites include 2018 Insouciance – IGP Coteaux de Peyriac rouge (Merlot & Caladoc blend) …

… also AOC Minervois “Abrensis”, and a little of his authentic rose, so there’s certainly something for any occasion in this and the upcoming season. 

From Division Winemaking Company:

2019 Chenin Blanc “L’Isle Vert” – A tough year for Chenin, Tom and Kate didn’t make a single vineyard but pooled all the cuvees in this bottling, but it’s limited.

2018 “Tulips” Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (semi-carbonic co-ferment), this new cuvee a perfect end of summer red, and versatile for many occasions. 


2019 Gamine Grenache
 (Semi-carbonic) – the second vintage of this wine, its a perfect late summer/fall pairing for the last ‘al-fresco’ dinners, and a new lower price this vintage.


2019 Division “L’orange”
 skin-contact blend – Here’s another new wine, a blend of several white varietals, macerated in small tanks and blended after fermentation, an easy drink, and versatile for this season. 

From Domaine la Cabotte:

 2019  Cotes du Rhone Blanc (only 40 cases). A perennial favorite from a domain that constantly makes pretty, defined, and consistent values in the southern Rhone. This is their typical blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and a little Viognier, all made by hand and farmed Biodynamically.