WINE OF THE WEEKEND: Ambroise "Lettre d'Eloise" Chardonnay

For centuries Domaine Ambroise has been synonymous with stellar Nuits-Saint-Georges. While much attention is deservedly focused on these prestigious bottlings, Ambroise's 'lesser' wines showcase the domaine's skill at crafting amazing Burgundy at equally-amazing value.

Now there are two words you usually won't see paired together...'Burgundy' and 'values'.

A great example of their abilities may be found in a bottle of their Chardonnay "Lettre d'Eloise". Sourced from younger Chardonnay vines from the domaine's property in Prémeaux-Prissey (just north of Nuits-Saint-Georges), the wine is barrel fermented in primarily third-fill barriques. The wine rests in barrel for 10 months prior to a light, polish filtration and is bottled unfined. The result is a beautiful, truly Burgundian Chardonnay that exhibits great notes of lemon zest, lightly-roasted nutmeats and a slightly creamy finished that's balanced by a nice backbone of acidity.

Bertrand Ambroise debuted this wine in the 2007 vintage as a tribute to his newly-born granddaughter, Eloise. The name pay tribute to both her birth and Beethoven's "Lettre à Élise"composition. Finished with a screwcap, this wine is equally at home at a formal dinner or a picnic in the park.

Item # 72604

WINE OF THE WEEKEND: 2008 Zantho Zweigelt

This week we welcomed the Vin Divino Austrian wines into our portfolio. I was fully prepared to embrace an amazing collection of high-quality Gruner Veltliners, Rieslings and late-harvest wines (and I certainly wasn't disappointed. But perhaps the most amazing revelation for me was just how good the red wines were.

The core of our new Austrian red wines are from the Zantho label. Zantho is a partnership between noted winemaker Josef Umathum and the growers' cooperative that's located in the town of Andau, not too far from the Hungarian border. Andau is situated within the Seewinkel region of Austria's Burgenland, one of the driest/warmest wine-growing regions within the country...ideal for red wine production. The name 'Zantho' pays homage to the small lizard of the same name that may be found throughout this region.

The Zweigelt grape is a genetic cross between Austrian's leading indigenous red varieties, Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent. Developed in 1922 by Dr. Franz Zweigelt at the Austrian Federal Institute for Viticulture, the Zweigelt grape has become the country's most-planted red variety. Dr. Zweigelt had originally named his grape Rotburger, but by 1975 the frequent confusion with the grape Rotberger (itself a cross of Riesling and Trollinger) led to the use of the Zweigelt name.

The 2008 Zantho Zweigelt is a textbook example of just how good Zweigelt can be. Lovers of fruit-forward Pinot Noirs or Gamays would be at home with this compelling wine. It is positively brimming with bright cherry and raspberry fruits, intermingled with notes of smoke, turned earth and rhubarb. Slightly spicy, the wine finishes with seamless, refined acidity and a touch of spice. I would suggest serving this wine slightly chilled, and it would pair with all manner of poultry, fish and game courses...especially those prepared with a bit of heat.

Item # 75704

The Austrians Are Here!

For many years we have been representing Vin Divino's Italian portfolio, and are pleased to announce that the Austrian side of their business is now in the Quality Fine Wine book!

The fact that premium wines from Austria now enjoy a welcome place on the shelves and wine lists of U.S. buyers is attributable in no small measure to the pioneering efforts of Vin Divino. This forward-thinking importer focused attention on the beauty of Gruner Veltiner, Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt and Austrian Riesling long before most sommeliers even knew that Austria produced fine wines. Fast forward twenty years later, and it's impossible to go into a wine store and not find an Austrian wine.

We will kick off the arrival of the Vin Divino Austrian portfolio tomorrow at our Quality Wine School. The topic for this class - fittingly enough - is "The Wines of Austria". Teaching this class will be Master Sommelier Damon Ornowski. Damon will lead attendees through the history and geography of Austrian winemaking, and sample us on a number of these newly-arrived vinous treasures. Special introductory pricing on all of these wines will be available through the end of May.

The initial shipment of Vin Divino Austrians include wines from the following producers:

DOMAIN WACHAU - Situated on an historic property on the north bank of the Danube, Domaine Wachau is the country's leading fine wine cooperative. A unique and longstanding relationship exists between the winery and approximately 250 growers, allowing this producer to craft incredible wines that are amazing values.

FRANZ HIRTZBERGER - Situated in a 600 year old house at the base of the famed Singerriedl vineyard, in the western part of the region, Franz Hirtzberger is a master of balancing the full properties of the fruit with the nuances of the terroir. By closely managing his vineyards and using natural yeasts he produces Federspiel and Smaragd Gruner Veltliners and Rieslings that will raise your eyebrows and make you smile.

KRACHER - Internationally recognized as one of the world's greatest producers of late-harvest wines, to taste a Kracher wine is to find intensity and sublimity in one bottle. The third generation of a legendary winery is in place as Gerhard Kracher continues the magic of his father and grandfather before him. Capitalizing on the unique microclimates bordering the large and very windy Lake Neusiedlersee, Kracher practically lives in the vineyards.

ZANTHO - Known for their mastery of Burgenland’s great red grapes, Zweigelt, Blaufrankish and St Laurent, Zantho brings forward the intensity of the fruit in their wines. Under the watchful eye of renowned vintner, Josef Umathum, every step of the winemaking process, beginning with the reception of the grapes, is recorded so that every wine can be traced from the rootstock to the bottle. This meticulous approach results in wines that represent tremendous value and wonderful wine discoveries for consumers. Zantho takes its name from the indigenous lizard that lives in the vineyards and graces the labels.

We welcome the opportunity to introduce you to these wondrous wines!

WINE OF THE WEEKEND: A Tale of Two Subirats.

With Spring finally making it's way to Minnesota, it's high time to celebrate. And, to my way of thinking, nothing says 'celebrate' and 'Spring' quite like Cava. And there are no better Cavas to be had than those crafted by Conde de Subirats.

There are six regions in Spain permitted to produce sparkling wines known as Cava, but there is only one, true Cava D.O. Subirats produces wines from grapes grown in the heart of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, the birthplace of Cava, among the high altitude hills of the subregion of Espiells. The grapes are harvested early to maintain naturally fresh, crisp acidity and are then fermented, separately in temperature controlled stainless steel to maintain the optimum of bright fruit aromas. The base wines are then blended and bottled with a bit of yeast to age for 18 months on lees prior to disgorging. The dosage is made with the most neutral flavored liquor to allow the flavor of the original grapes to shine.

There are two Cavas here, a white and a rose...and both are delicious. The white is a blend of 55% Macabeo, 40% Parellada, 5% Chardonnay, while the rose is crafted from 90% Trepat and 10% Pinot Noir. Both are perennial best buys in Parker and Tanzer.

These wines deserve a place at your table this Spring. You can't go wrong with either!

WHITE: Item #66064
ROSE : Item #65914

IT'S A PINK THING, Y'ALL.

Our second annual rose celebration will take place on the patio of the Uptown Cafeteria on Wednesday, May 4th. A bevy of beautiful 2010 roses will be there for the sampling. Help us welcome in Spring in style!

Please RSVP to mgarretson@qwsco.com.

WINE OF THE WEEKEND: 2009 Punta Crena Lumassina

The tiny Lurgurian village of Varigotti sits on the Mediterranean, just a few rows of houses and restaurants on a pristine beach, with its back against steep hills. Climb up into the hills and you will discover neatly terraced vineyards on the slopes and in hidden clearings further up on the peaks. The Ruffino family (no relation to the wine concern in Tuscany) has been tending these vineyards for over 500 years, hardly changing a thing as they pass their knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

The vineyards of Punta Crena (named for a large promontory jutting into the sea at the edge of the village) are all within 1200 meters of the water and enjoy sea breezes that help keep the grapes healthy and happy. The Ruffinos are proud to work almost exclusively with local varietals...Cruvin, Mataòssu, Barbarossa and Lumassina. As a result, several of Punta Crena’s wines are one of a kind, and this Lumassina is no exception.

At Punta Crena the Ruffinos craft two wines from Lumassina...a frizzante and a still version, and both are delightful. We recently took delivery of a shipment of the still wine, and it's destined to become a favorite for Spring and Summertime. Relatively low in alcohol (under 12%) and high in acidity (6.5 g/l), this wine exhibits an amazing crispness that's an ideal foil for all manner of warm weather fare. Great notes of citrus and minerality serve to heighten the refreshing qualities of this wine, which seems to have been crafted in a manner that subtly demands another taste.

You owe it to yourself to sample this wine. Like the other Punta Crena wines we've brought to Minnesota market, the Lumassina is a truly unique and engaging bottle of vino..and we've no doubt it will be the finest Lumassina you've ever tasted.

Item # 52644

SURFIN' KERMIT.

No, Hell hath not frozen over. In other news: Kermit Lynch has a new website!

And this website is infinitesimally more user-friendly and informative than their previous site. You can check it out yourselves by clicking on www.kermitlynch.com.