The Top 25! One of the joys of the Top 25 is that we can make it whatever we want it to be. In essence it remains a catch-all category, where the showcase can and often is wide, far-reaching, and thus meant to demonstrate the breadth of distinctive, keenly-priced options out there – the hard rule here is the sub-$10 price point. Nonetheless, a few selections this time around crossover from our Spring programs – Northern Italy and Roses – with the roses at least a theme we will continue going forward with throughout the summer. That being said, wines from Washington, California, Spain, South Australia, South Africa, and even Georgia’s own Chateau Elan fill out the rest.
CHATEAU ELAN Sparkling Wine NV Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A 100% Chardonnay Brut NV from north Atlanta’s very own Chateau Elan, employing the Charmat method – the bubbles are induced via secondary fermentation in tank, as opposed to the individual bottles of the Champagne method – of Prosecco fame. The wine itself is analogous – crisp and refreshing, and ideal as both an aperitif by itself or as the sparkling wine component of a cocktail calling for it. DANZANTE Pinot Grigio 2014 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A textbook northern Italian-style Pinot Grigio from the Tre Venezie IGT. Light-bodied, with delicate fruit notes of pear, green apple and citrus peel complement the crisp acidity and mineral finish – for many a Pinot Grigio drinker, this is THE style of Pinot Grigio.
DOUGLAS GREEN Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from one of South Africa’s first “negociants”, the fruit here is sourced from the Swartland & Robertson regions of the country’s southwest corner. A medium-bodied style of the varietal, emphasizing the cassis, bell pepper, and tobacco leaf notes of the Cabernet grape as opposed to overt oak.
MESTA Verdejo 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
The producer here is Bodegas Fontana, a leading producer of estate wine from the Castille-La Mancha region of central Spain. Verdejo is perhaps better-known as the signature grape of the maritime-influenced Rueda region to Castile’s northwest. Malo is blocked and as expected oak is avoided, the result being a wine with purity of fruit reminiscent of peach & apricots, grass & herbs.
YALUMBA Shiraz-Viognier 2012 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
Co-fermented with…Viognier, the…Shiraz Viognier displays a deep garnet-purple color and pronounced blackberry and dried leave aromas with a touch of baked fruit, some earth and a whiff of anise. Medium-bodied with medium-firm grainy tannins, it has high acidity and plenty of warm berry fruit in the mouth, finishing long. -Wine Advocate RIVA LEONE Barbera 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
If Nebbiolo is considered the King of Piemontese grapes than Barbera is definitively the workhorse, creating wines that Italians can quaff and pair with meals, but without the pretension of having to “contemplate” it. This is one made in the juicy, youthful style, with notes of cherry, damson and cinnamon, and the strong line of acidity that cuts through the hearty fare of the region.
CHATEAU ELAN Chardonnay NV Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A 100% Chardonnay varietal from this north Atlanta destination. This one sees about 6 months oak aging, with both French & neutral barrels used, and the result being a Chardonnay that should be the goal of all who aim for this style – a good balance of fruit and oak.
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF The Wolftrap 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A white blend from the more dynamic winemaking regions in the world today… Plump and juicy, with anise, apricot and plantain notes backed by a rounded, lightly toasty finish. Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc. Drink now. -Wine Spectator
PICO MACCARIO Villa della Rosa Piemonte Bianco 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A pleasant white wine blend from the Piemonte region of northwest Italy, this wine offers notes of citrus, orange peel, red apple, pear, and minerals. Located in the heart of the Barbera d’Asti DOCG, the Pico Maccario label is actually the brothers Pico and Vitaliano.
MULDERBOSCH Rose 2014 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
The 2014 Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch comes from vines specifically used for rosé production and undergoes a cool fermentation and early bottling. It has a simple but clean red cherry and wet stone bouquet. The palate is crisp on the entry with red cherry and strawberry notes segueing into a brisk and vibrant finish. Fine. -Wine Advocate MEZZACORONA Pinot Noir 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A varietal from the Dolomites of northern Italy, often referred to as the Italian Alps. The slice of the Adige Valley from where the Mezzacorona comes enables this style of Pinot, admittedly lighter but with true Pinot Noir character nonetheless. This is one that has gained a following since we’ve brought it in.
YALUMBA Viognier 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
Viognier is another grape that lives on the razor’s edge at times – pick too early and you risk not allowing the exotic perfume of the grape to develop, yet pick too late and the tenuous acidity that there is may simply vanish. Yalumba is successful here. “Lively and focused, with spice, floral, pear and lime curd flavors on a sleek frame. Finely tuned. 89 points.” -Wine Spectator
BODEGAS SENORIO DE BARAHONDA Carro 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
The least expensive offering from this winery is the 2013 Carro, which is composed of 50% Monastrell, 20% Syrah, 20% Merlot and 10% Tempranillo. Totally unoaked, it offers a crisp, crunchy style of a dry, mid-weight red wine possessing good purity and texture. At this price, it’s a steal. -Wine Advocate
STERLING Vintner’s Collection Meritage 2012 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A Bordeaux blend from a venerable Napa Valley producer. Notes of plum, balsamic, piped tobacco, coffee beans, vanilla and dill inform this one, making for a versatile food pairing partner and enjoyable near-term drinking at an inarguable price. RIVA LEONE Gavi 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A Piemontese white wine, crafted from the Cortese grape, and from a region of Italy far-better known for their iconic red wines, as well as their Moscato d’Asti. “This white shows depth to the apple, grapefruit and peach flavors, backed by lively acidity. Finishes with a chalky sensation. Drink now.” -Wine Spectator
MEZZACORONA Chardonnay 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
Another French varietal from the Dolomites, and like the Pinot Noir a true international variety. As with the other internationals, it’s difficult to resist the temptation to try your hand at grapes that the wine-drinking world generally covets, but matching variety to site will always matter. “A Chardonnay with pretty ripe apple and light caramel character. Full, round and delicious. Drink now.” -Wine Spectator
POEMA Red 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A northeast Spain producer known for both their Cava as well as still red & white blends. The crop is entirely hand-harvested and de-stemmed, with stainless steel for fermentation. The result – a vibrant, full-bodied red with notes of wild strawberries, anise, and tobacco leaf – is the perfect foil for the local tapas, and an astounding value. IRONSTONE Cabernet Franc 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
Ironstone Vineyards itself is situated in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, whereas the Cabernet Franc is sourced from different parcels in two separate Lodi sub-AVAs – Alta Mesa and Sloughhouse. Once regarded as Cabernet Sauvignon Lite, Cabernet Franc is recognized by its own merits these days, its raspberry, capsicum and cedar notes an ideal counterpart for dishes where a heavier wine won’t do.
SNOQUALMIE Gewurztraminer 2012 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
Not the easiest grape to grow, this is a pleasant, respectable effort from this Columbia Valley producer. The off-dry nature gives it the extra virtue of pairing especially well with spicy foods. “Soft and lightly sweet, with pretty spice and lychee flavors, hinting at tangerine as the finish lingers. Drink now. 87 points.” -Wine Spectator
14 HANDS Kentucky Derby Red 2012 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A special release meant to celebrate 14 Hands’s sponsorship of the Triple Crown opener, the blend here is majority Merlot, with proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah as well. The result is your typical 14 Hands profile – rich up-front fruit, and an abundance of toast, vanilla & coconut. If you enjoy the Cab then there’s no need to convince you about this one.
GREAT AMERICAN WINE COMPANY Zinfandel 2012 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
The appellation here is California, meaning the fruit was sourced from throughout the state; the fruit itself is 95% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah. The producer here – Rosenblum Cellars – is one of the foremost Zinfandel advocates in the wine world. Notes of brambly fruit, plum, and cola are given further weight with the vanilla/coconut overtones that come from 10-month oak aging. CLETO CHIARLI Lambrusco Grasparossa Green’s Cash Sale Price:
This should open your eyes as to what Lambrusco can be about, outside of Riunite. The sweetness level here is Amabile, the official Italian moniker for medium-sweet. Notes of black cherry, grape skins, and baked fruit on the nose give way to raspberry, roses and savory characteristics on the palate – pair this with Parmigiano to discover what many Italians have known for a lifetime.
VILLA VIVA Cotes de Thau Rose 2014 (not pictured) Green’s Cash Sale Price:
The Cotes de Thau is an IGP (regional designation) of the eastern Languedoc, the grapes here the usual Mediterranean varieties of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan. Cherry, bramble, herbs, bell pepper, lemon/lime and citrus peel all make their presence known here, with an acidic backbone both welcome and surprising. A quintessential southern French rose, and at a wonderful price.
CHARLES & CHARLES Merlot 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price:
A Columbia Valley Merlot from the now-well known partnership between Charles Smith and Charles Bieler. The wine itself is classic New World Merlot – plum, blackberry preserves, tobacco leaf and generous amounts of oaky vanilla – which for many folks is right up their alley. And at this price…
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