5/16/2022 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

With our sudden onslaught of 100+ degree days here in Yuma, it seems only appropriate that tomorrow, May 17th, is National Pinot Grigio Day. Admittedly, Pinot Grigio is a white wine that most wine lovers pretty much take for granted. Thanks to an explosion in popularity in the 70’s and 80’s, it came to be considered by many as just one more mass-market white wine. But when it comes from its natural habitat, the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy, it’s anything but. In the Trentino, Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia-Giulia regions of the extreme north of Italy, it’s one of the most-planted grapevines. Fed by glacial waters, pristine alpine valleys in these northern provinces produce some of the best Pinot Grigio in the market. Far from being neutral, basic grocery store wines, the best northern Italian Pinot Grigios are nuanced and craft-produced, and supremely crisp and refreshing to sip as the days get hotter and hotter. At the Old Town Wine Cellar we have a nice selection of fine
Italian Pinot Grigios, and we’ll start off our weekly sampling lineup with one of my favorite examples. Hope you can make it to the Cellar this week!

FEATURED WINES THIS WEEK

Tiefenbrunner 2019 Pinot Grigio (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy) $15.99

Tiefenbrunner is known for producing some of Italy’s finest white wines in this cool and mountainous region close to Austria. This Pinot Grigio offers a superb purity and depth of flavor coupled with a distinct, intriguing mineral character, all in a perfect balance.

Chehalem 2019 Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) $25.99

This Pinot Noir showcases the diversity of soil types and microterroirs across the Chehalem Mountain AVA, creating depth and complexity in the wine. Aromatic notes of fresh black and red fruits mingle on the nose, along with hints of brambly, earthy spice. The palate is bright and fresh, with red fruits like cherry and raspberry that are complemented by soft, silky tannins.

Vigneti del Salento 2018 I Muri Negroamaro (Puglia, Italy) $14.99

The baking hot sun of the Italian south comes through in this rich and earthy red, with its smoky nose and robust palate redolent of dark plums, stewed figs and peppery spice. Negroamaro, an ancient varietal native to Puglia, makes a fantastic partner with richly flavored Italian dishes.

M. Chapoutier 2019 Côtes du Rhone Belleruche (Rhone Valley, France) $17.99

Chapoutier’s Belleruche offers classic Côtes du Rhone character, with concentrated aromas of ripe cherries, candied orange peel, licorice and pepper. The palate is forward and supple, with sweet red and black cherry fruit, peppery spice and a savory touch of dried herbs on the finish.

Arrowood 2018 Sonoma Estates Cabernet Sauvignon $24.99

Arrowood’s Sonoma Estates Cabernet combines fruit from vineyards in the Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley and Alexander Valley. Knights Valley grapes provide structure and power. Sonoma Valley fruit contributes ripe dark fruit flavors and rich texture, while Alexander Valley grapes lend a fine complexity.

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS

Kistler 2019 Les Noisetiers Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) $59.99

Pouring a rich gold color in the glass, this overflows with a bounty of aromas, led by acacia, citrus peel and roasted hazelnuts. It’s grand and powerful on the palate, with vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors, a generous body and a lingering finish, well-structured by a cleansing frame of mouthwatering acidity.

Browne Family Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley) $18.99

Browne’s Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon opens with beautiful aromas of blackberry jam, chocolate and toasty vanilla, framed with a hint of baking spices. The palate is rich and savory, with flavors of ripe black fruits and a soft, silky and lingering finish.

Cheers!

Mike Shelhamer
Old Town Wine Cellar
265 S. Main Street, Suite E
Yuma, Arizona 85364
928-373-0405