Wines of the Week: 
 
2020 J Hofstatter Alto Adige Pinot Grigio Normally $22.99–$19.54 15% Off This Week ONLY! 2019 Mauro Vannucci Piaggia Il Sasso Carmignano Supertuscan Red Blend Normally $34.99–$29.74 15% Off This Week ONLY! * * * About the Wines of the Week: 2020 J Hofstatter Alto Adige Pinot Grigio Normally $22.99–$19.54 15% Off This Week ONLY!  .jpg)
About the Winery Josef Hofstätter, a trained locksmith, operated a small restaurant in Tramin together with his wife Maria and produced wine in their cellar. Being business savvy and forward-thinking, he founded a winery in 1907 and successfully traded wine. Josef Hofstätter passed away childless in 1942 and his wife continued to run the business, assisted by their long-time employee, Konrad Oberhofer. Konrad Oberhofer later married Maria Hofstätter’s niece, Luise, and eventually took over management of the winery. As a pioneer of quality wine production in Alto Adige, Konrad Oberhofer bottled his own wines instead of selling them in bulk. He also began to vinify single-vineyard wines. With this he laid the cornerstone for the philosophy of wines of origin at Weingut J. Hofstätter.
About the Wine The vines are situated on light marly soils, which warm up quickly in spring. Immediately after the harvest the grapes are subject to a gentle pneumatic pressing in the cellar. The must is clarified by natural sedimentation and fermented using temperature control. A following period of refinement is carried out on fine yeast before the wine is bottled. When poured expect a classic and very expressive Pinot Grigio–bright straw yellow hues are matched by attractive aromas of citrus fruits, peach, honeydew melon and especially pear. Medium rich, fruity, well-structured and direct on the palate with orchard fruit flavors and tangy, fruity acidity on the finish. Pairs perfectly with pasta and fish appetizers. * * * 2019 Mauro Vannucci Piaggia Il Sasso Carmignano Supertuscan Red Blend Normally $34.99–$29.74 15% Off This Week ONLY! .jpeg) .jpg)
About the Winery Piaggia is located right in the heart of Carmignano. The total vineyard extension is approximately 15 hectares, divided between the area of S. Cristina a Mezzana and the municipality of Poggio a Caiano, both areas with a great potential for top quality wines. Mauro Vannucci started this activity in 1990 because of his great passion for great red wines, with the aim to produce wines up to the standard of Carmignano appellation. In its 30 years of existence, Piaggia has managed to solidly establish its place among the great wineries of the classic Tuscan DOC of Carmignano, being called by Gambero Rosso “one of the best wineries in the region of Carmignano, rather, in Tuscany.”
About the Wine 70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Maceration on the skins in small steel tanks for 3 weeks at 32°C. The wine is then aged in French-oak barriques for a minimum of 15 months, plus an additional cellaring in the bottle for 6 months. When poured, expect notes of Maraschino cherries to jump from the glass with elegant hints of balsamic and spice. The wine is full and enveloping on the palate with a charming elegance. 3,300 cases produced for the vintage. Carmignano Sasso is made from selected grapes grown in the winery's vineyard of the same name, located in one of the most interesting areas of the appellation, S. Cristina a Mezzana. Their desire has always been to enhance the characteristics of this vineyard, which is an excellent terrain for producing the highest quality grapes. Il Sasso expresses all the depth and organoleptic richness of great Carmignano wines, combined with the freshness and elegance that great terroirs can express and guarantee over time: this is why they began this Cru, where the tradition of their land is given a modern slant. 
Critical Acclaim “The 2019 Carmignano Il Sasso is flat-out stunning, lifting up with notes of spicy citrus offsetting sweet white smoke, raspberries, cherries and clove. This is silky-smooth and pliant, packed full of zesty red fruits and spices contrasted by cooling acidity. There’s so much to like here, finishing intensely fruity yet also remarkably fresh and long. Drink today or lose this over the medium term. It’s a “wow” wine and also a great value. Il Sasso is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that refines for one year in second and third-pass barriques.”–93 Points, Vinous * * * Cocktail Recipe of the Week: 
Hot Toddy Ingredients: ¾ cup water
1 ½ ounces Stellum Cask Strength 114.48 Proof Bourbon Whiskey
2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
1 lemon round
1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish) Directions: In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Pour the hot water into a mug.
Add the whiskey, 2 teaspoons honey and 2 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot water. Taste, and add 1 teaspoon honey for more sweetness, and/or 1 teaspoon more lemon juice for more zing.
Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick (if using). Enjoy! Cheers and Enjoy! * * * Snack of the Week: 
Salumeria Biellese Chorizo Secco A Spanish-style Chorizo, so tasty you will think you are hangin' in Barcelona! This fine ground Berkshire pork is spiced with hot pepper and paprika, and then it is cured/aged until firm.
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