HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY!
Avinyó
the place
Penedes, Spain
the grapes
70% Muscat de Frontignan / 20% Macabeo / 10% Xarel-lo
the process
After a nighttime harvest, the grapes are very gently pressed in a pneumatic press. The alcoholic fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks between 14°C and 16°C. The wine is then cold stabilized before the beginning of secondary fermentation in stainless steel tanks with the addition of native yeast and raw cane sugar. The wine is bottled in all its freshness in January.
the price
Bottle: $18 | Glass: $8
Las Lilas
the place
Vinho Verde, Portugal
the grapes
Louriero 75% Treixadura 12.5% Arinto 12.5%
the process
The Las Lilas vineyards are nestled between the Lima and Vez rivers, in the Vinho Verde wine region of Portugal. Almost half of the 34 acres of vineyards are planted with old vines (> 25 years old). Las Lilas’ winemaker, José Oliveira has been working in the region for almost 20 years. Literally meaning “green wine,” the Vinho Verde name actually refers to it being a wine that is usually drunk “young.” A cooler climate and granitic soil lead to fresh, light wines with good acidity. Their low alcohol content and slight effervescence make them excellent as an aperitif, or for an afternoon spent in the backyard.
the price
Bottle: $14 | Glass: $8
Getariako Txakolina Ameztoi
the place
Getaria, Spain
the grapes
Hondarribi Zuri
the process
Ameztoi Txakolina is traditionally crafted with high acidity and low alcohol, utilizing only the native hondarrabi zuri variety. After hand harvesting, the must ferments in refrigerated stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. Towards the end of alcoholic fermentation, the tanks are closed to preserve the natural carbonation from fermentation, which is the preferred style of Getaria. The tanks are then kept chilled to near freezing before bottling, which preserves the wine’s delicate, effervescent character and signature mousse. These attributes are unattainable through shortcuts such as force-carbonation, which Ameztoi has never employed.
the price
Bottle: $25 | Glass: $11
Peter Lauer Ayler Kabinett Fass No. 87
the place
Rheingau, Germany
the grapes
100% Riesling
the process
Bottling is done in spring and early summer to preserve the fresh and fruity Riesling character. Because of its pronounced fruity acidity, you can store Rheingau Riesling longer than other white wines, especially when they are sweet (8-25 years and more).
the price
Bottle: $19 | Glass: $8