Wines of the Week: 
2017 Santa Barbara Tardivo Ma Non Tardo Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico Marche Verdicchio Normally $49.99–$42.49 15% Off This Week ONLY! 2018 Tenuta di Carleone Chianti Classico Sangiovese Normally $34.99–$29.74 15% Off This Week ONLY! * * * About the Wines of the Week: 2017 Santa Barbara Tardivo Ma Non Tardo Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico Marche Verdicchio Normally $49.99–$42.49 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery Stefano Antonucci’s dynamic and candid personality captivate all who meet him. This irresistible drive and energy is also what led him, in 1994, to make the drastic decision to change his life direction and return to the small village of his childhood, Barbara, in the heart of the Marche region, giving up his job as a banker. Stefano had always been intrigued by the world of wine and also deeply connected to his territory and so, he began the transformation of his family’s small cooperative winery into the Santa Barbara Winery of today, a reference point for exceptional quality in the Marche. Since its beginning, the Santa Barbara winery has always had two principal objectives: to reintroduce the Marche region’s indigenous grape varieties (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi – white – and Montepulciano and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba – reds), and to craft wines of great personality that appeal to international tastes while respecting the tradition of the Marche land. In fact, in addition to the autochthonous grapes, international varieties including Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated as well to enhance the lineup. In other words, one eye on the territory and the other on the market. With this driving force, Stefano produces modern wines with traditional varietals, elegant, intriguing and persuasive examples of the finest winemaking. He has been called a “visionary and eclectic winemaker, continually striving for stylistic perfection.” Stefano sees himself in those words as they perfectly sum up his philosophy, both in the beginning and today. “My secret is to make wine that first and foremost appeals to me, a wine-drinker’s wine.” – Stefano Antonucci 
About the Wine The vineyards are 25-40 years old and encompass an area of about 45 hectares of land, from the rolling hills of Barbara, across Serra de Conti, Montecarotto, and Arcevia up to Morro D’Alba and Cupramontana. The particularity of these areas lies in the soils, water-rich clay with some calcareous and gravelly areas, occupying a strip of land bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Apennines to the west. Work in the vineyards (January through October) is carried out by hand under the attentive guidance of renowned technicians and expert farmers, seeking a balance between spur pruning, focused interventions and thinning only when necessary. Each harvest represents the opportunity to know the grapes, the soil and the land a little bit better and thus, to raise standards and to experiment, always in respect of traditions and history of the land. Endless passion combined with scrupulous attention in vineyard and cellar and a strong spirit of innovation bestow the Santa Barbara wines with a refined and unique personality, impeccable and always dynamic. A rich and complex nose entices with fruit (exotic, tropical) and notes of spice. An important structure is balanced by a fresh minerality that invites another sip. In addition to representing one of the regions best examples of Verdicchio, Tardivo Ma Non Tardo is participant in an interesting and noble project. The distinctive label is designed by artist Catia Uliassi who, together with the Santa Barbara winery, collaborates with the Fondazione Dott. Dante Paladini. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle of this Verdicchio goes to support research and treatment of neuromuscular disease. * * * 2018 Tenuta di Carleone Chianti Classico Normally $34.99–$29.74 15% Off This Week ONLY!  
About the Winery The Austrian entrepreneur Karl Egger and his family have been visitors to region of Tuscany for decades. They fell in love with small corner, just outside the medieval town of Radda in Chianti between the cities of Siena and Florence. Consequently the winery “Tenuta Carleone di Castiglioni” is located in the heart of the Chianti region. It was named after the small village of “Castiglioni” (small castle) which was first mentioned in the year 1078 when the monks of “Badia al Coltibuono” founded it. There is also a typical tuscan farmhouse called “Pian Vecchio” (old plain) on this land, where the family recently planted some white. The whole property, which covers an area of approximately 100 hectares, comprises of wooded hills, small rivers and fertile plains. Nestled in between there are around 20 ha of mainly Sangiovese vineyards and more than 10 hectares of olive trees, some of them older than 60 years. The Egger Family has renovated the beautiful “Castiglioni” hamlet with its old chapel and the nearby farmhouse of “Pian Vecchio”. The winery Tenuta di Carleone was born in 2012. Sean O’Callaghan, to his friends “IL GUERCIO” (one eyed rascal!), was asked to join and help to build a small artisanal winery making classically defined Sangiovese with a twist. Sean’s twist.. Organic and biodynamic principles are implemented in the vineyard. Nothing is added to the wines, the grappa or the olive oil. No yeast and no fining agents are used. 
About the Wine Essence of Radda in Chianti. Pure Sangiovese; the Winery is right in the middle of Chianti Classico, within the original borders of the Chianti Storico. So they decided to honor the area and make a 100% Sangiovese that expresses their little corner of Radda in Chianti. Hand harvested, and foot crushed with 10% whole bunches. Fermented in stainless steel, cement, and open bins and macerated for 40-60 days. Afterwhich, the wine is aged for 18 months in stainless steel, old oak, and cement. * * * Also Tasting Today: 2018 Details Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon $42.99 .jpeg) .jpeg)
About the Winery Never one to sit still for long, Vintner and General Manager David Sinegal’s work experience runs the gamut from Costco and Frito Lay to start-up and joint venture companies. David is a keen business strategist and visionary with a passion for marketing and innovation. And, of course, an unabashedly obsessive eye for detail. David believes that in order to do anything well, one must be fully invested. That’s why he and his family now live on the property – so he can sleep at the “office.” Being at the Estate full-time inspires David every day to create a 360-degree guest experience that includes exceptional wine, delicious food, and a remarkable environment. Winemaker Ryan Knoth had a previous life– in biotech, with a degree in biology and chemistry from Cal Poly State University. Understanding intensity and precision as a biochemist led him into the art of winemaking. In the vineyard and the winery, he is constantly making scientific and creative decisions along the way. Combining new technology and science with centuries-old techniques and practices he attempts to attain the purest articulation of vintage and site expression in each wine he crafts. Since joining the wine industry, Ryan has had the pleasure of working under the expert tutelage of David Abreu, Michel Rolland, and Fredrik Johansson at Staglin Family Vineyard and Jim Barbour & Philippe Melka at Gandona Winery. 
About the Wine The 2018 Details Cabernet Sauvignon is a lovely example of a wine crafted from one of the best vintages the team has seen in Sonoma in recent memory. After years of hot weather and early harvests, 2018 is a welcome return to a “normal” vintage, with no major weather events, long hang times and perfect ripeness in the vineyard. The balance of concentrated fruit, soft polished tannins and bright acidity showcases a wine that will delight on many levels. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from the finest appellations in Sonoma County. The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon for the blend comes from a premier hillside site in Sonoma Valley, which hugs the mountains behind Oakville, east of Kenwood. Both Knights Valley and Alexander Valley are exemplary climates for Cabernet Sauvignon, which bring elegance, nuance, and structure to the blend. Enticing aromas of violets and ripe raspberries are followed by notes of sage, allspice, and a touch of balsamic reduction. Flavors of black currant and blueberry compote are met with earthy mineral notes and a fresh acidity, which elevates the finish. Aged for 16 months in 55% new French Oak barrels. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petite Sirah, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot * * * Cocktail Recipe of the Week: 
The Canadian Cocktail Ingredients: 2 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
1⁄2 oz. maple syrup
1⁄4 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice (about half a lime)
1⁄4 oz. apple cider
1⁄8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 stick cinnamon, for garnish Directions: In a shaker, add all the ingredients, except for cinnamon stick, along with 1⁄2 cup of ice, shake vigorously to dissolve ground cinnamon, and pour mixture along with ice into an old-fashioned glass to serve. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Cheers and Enjoy! * * * Snack of the Week: (1).jpg)
Fromager D'Affinois This French innovation may look like pudgy brie, but it's actually much creamier. The mild, buttery flavor has a sweetness that goes very well with champagne and fresh fruit. Fromager d'Affinois may remind you of a triple-creme, so loaded it is with silky fat. But that texture is achieved by ''ultra filtration,'' which breaks down the fat molecules in the milk in order to further disperse them through the paste. The result is a thick, nearly whipped spread of tangy, milky goodness. * * * |
