WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Cecchi Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglia 2019, Tuscany, Italy $19.99 I 87/100
UPC: 8006030050819 This Chianti Classico is a 90/10 mix of Sangiovese and other red grapes. The style is light with a medium body and red cherry chocolate with a dusting of mushrooms and forest floor. It spends a year in large wooden casks and another 60 days in the bottle before release. Established in 1893, Cecchi (pronounced check-ee) is one of the oldest producers in Tuscany. The classic spaghetti red is equally suited to takeout Chinese.
Selbach Riesling Fish Label 2021, Mosel, Germany $20.99 I 89/100
UPC: 717215001707
The Selbach Fish Label, an off-dry Riesling made by one of the oldest wine families in Germany, with roots that go back to the 1600s, has become an essential brand for the Selbach family. It is fruity, aromatic white packed with white flowers, peach overtones, and fresh green apples, all acutely balanced by bright Mosel acidity. Juicy and delicious, this is a classy patio pour or wine you can serve with various southeast Asian fare. Consistent year to year, although the price is creeping toward its maximum value limit.
Les Vignerons du Castelas Côtes du Rhône 2020, Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
$20-$23 I 88/100
UPC: 3760052891014
This delicious workhorse red blend of 60/40 Syrah/ Grenache comes off vines that average 30-plus years in the ground. Cherries and red berries with a dusting of pepper and rich, round, soft tannins coat the palate that finishes with a twist of garrigue. Expect terrific value in a red suited to beef tacos, pizza, grilled vegetables, and more. Stock up for the barbecue season. It's only in private wine stores, but worth seeking out.
Bailly Lapierre Saint-bris Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Burgundy, France
$25 I 88/100
UPC: 3371801811445
Saint-bris is a small appellation in northern Burgundy where Sauvignon is the AOC grape, not Chardonnay. Wines from vineyards around Saint-bris-le-vineux planted with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir are not included in the Saint-bris AOC, but are allowed the appellation Côtes d'auxerre. Given the herbal guava grapefruit notes, it is obvious why Chardonnay is not the main play, at least not yet. This is an enjoyable round, nutty, almost baked pear, baked apple style of Sauvignon that slides down easily with just enough acidity to keep it fresh. The fruit is ripe to the point of nearly being sweet, but the juicy, fresh palate and the nutty, baked apple and pear flavours quickly draw you into the glass. Ready to drink with fish tacos or spicy sushi dishes and chicken salad?
Selbach Grauburgunder Dry 2022, Mosel, Germany $27.99 I 90/100
UPC: 717215002971 In Germany, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio is known as Grauburgunder, loosely translated as the “grey Burgundian.” The Selbach edition lives up to its name because it presents drier and with a higher acidity than many of its cousins, save for a handful of top northern Italian editions. This fabulous, dry white draws you back to your glass until the bottle is gone. Expect a subtle floral overtone with crisp citrus touched with spice and a saline, mineral, limestone finish. Stylish, sophisticated, and ready for seafood, chicken, or sushi.