Staff Picks: What to Drink This Week
Things our staff thinks you should consider trying!
2020 Emilio Bulfon Sciaglin Venezia Giulia - $21.99
Emilio Bulfon has become a champion in Friuli in the rediscovery and cultivation of ancient Italian varietals, native vines that up to thirty years ago were nearly extinct. Sciaglin (pronounced she-ah-leen) is an authochthonal grape of Friuli-Venezia Giulia known in the hills of Spilimbergo from the 15th century. The origin of the name comes from “schiavolino”, meaning originating from Slavia, land beyond the Julian Alps. According to others it comes from “s'ciale” or “terraces”, that is, the positions at which the grape variety gives the best results. Today this grape is grown only in the area of Pinzano al Tagliamento and Castelnovo del Friuli. White peach and apricot on the nose, some real warmth and spice. Lush apricot, orange skin and melon, delicate salt and thyme, cinnamon and orange oil, grip and vigour. This one demands some food- shellfish or risotto, perhaps!
-Angie
2021 Tenuta Roveglia "Miti" Garda Classico Chiaretto - $22.99
Chiaretto is a type of Italian rose only produced on the border of Lombardy and Veneto near the shores of Lake Garda. The morainic soils along Lake Garda produce rose with great minerality and depth. This particular rose is made from the grapes Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera. It has aromatics of red cherry and this berry fruit follows through on the palate with bright acid and a long vinous rich finish. Try this rose with garlic and herb chicken thighs on the grill or a classic nicoise salad.
-Rob
2017 Vaeni Naoussa Xinomavro, Naoussa, Greece - $13.99
In honor of our Grilling Newsletter, I thought I'd shine a spotlight on my favorite 'priced to party burger wine' the cooperative Vaeni Naoussa's Xinomavro. Xinomavro is often described as "the Nebbiolo of the south", but in Greece it's regarded as a sovereign triumph — "king of the Greek varietals." This xinomavro is bricky in color with aromas of sun kissed tomatoes, ripe wildberries, and baking spice. On the palate, this wine is delectably light bodied with fresh acidity and well integrated soft tannins. For just $13.99, this juicy bombshell makes an ideal date for your next cook-out!
-Katrina
Bell's Oberon 6pk Bottles - $12.99
It was about four years ago that an old coworker first introduced me to his favorite beer, which then quickly became my favorite beer. If you've ever wanted the light smoothness of a wheat beer without that hint of clove, Oberon offers that smoothness with a crisp, slightly hoppy finish. Whether you're watching baseball, fishing, or spending an evening on your porch, there's no summer activity that doesn't pair perfectly with a few Oberons. If there's any sort of downside to this beer, it's that they don't sell it year-round. Do yourself a favor and give it a try.
-Nick
2018 Mamette Prevostini Botonero Nebbiolo IGT Alpi Retiche - $25.99
This wine from the Northern Italian alpine valley of Vatellina represents stunning value in Nebbiolo (locally Chiavennasco) especially considering the 'heroic viticulture' required to farm in these dangerously steep, terraced vineyards. Prevostini's IGT wine is focused on pure fresh fruit uninterrupted by oak treatment. This wine has great lift in both the bouquet and the palette and will appeal to those who like the variety and intensity of traditionally Nebbiolo wines and those looking for lively refreshing red that won't be out of place at an al fresco barbeque.
-Dave
‌
‌
‌