SPARKLING (celebrate!)
Arnaud Laurent Brut Touraine, Loire Valley, France Bottle – $25
Because you don’t need to go to Champagne to do it the old-fashioned way. This Methode Traditionelle is creamy and almondy with a crisp finish. At this price, look out for a surprising full flavor.
Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto D’Acqui 2010 Piedmont, Italy Bottle – $50
Because many a wonderful evening has been shared by Mary and her best friends over one of these “bottles of fun.” From the beautiful pink hue to the deliciously sweet flavor (a perfect pairing with chocolate and most desserts), this is the perfect girl’s-night-out beverage.
Cavit Lunetta Prosecco Trento, Italy Split – $8
Because sometimes you want to celebrate by yourself. These are cute little bottles of bubbly that fill a glass to its rim, so you really get about 2 glasses out of them.
Domaine Maison Pere et Fils Cremant de Loire Loire, France Bottle – $45
Crémant is champagne’s cooler, more stylish, more affordable cousin. It’s the difference between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Edgy vs. stodgy. Crémant makers use the same fermentation method as Champagne makers, but they can take risks and be more adventurous during the whole process. This Crémant is particularly brutish, and a champagne of this quality could easily cost you twice as much.
Janisson and Fils Champagne Bleu Champagne, France Bottle – $75
First of all, the bottle is beautiful! Secondly, this off-dry champagne has the perfect amount of fruit and bubbles. It’s a treat for the taste buds and eyes. We serve it in etched glass tall flutes that make it even more lovely. Don’t have a reason to toast? Come up with one!
Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut Alsace, France Bottle – $37
This blanc de blanc is made by the oldest producer of Crémant and their expertise shows. Light and fruity with the perfect amount of bubbles, this drink is the perfect compliment to any meal. Open a bottle to celebrate life today. This is our go-to bottle when we have something to be happy about.
Riccardi Prosecco Treviso Brut Treviso, Italy Bottle – $30
Prosecco is the Italian answer to champagne. This one has just the right amount of fruit to offset it’s dryness. A wonderful compliment to our cheese plate or Astoria salad.
Riunite Movendo Sparkling Riesling Bottle – $25
It’s like dancing golden apples on your tongue. Slight minerals. A truly enlightening bottle of bubbly fun. It’s like an episode of Sesame St. or a ray of sunshine beaming into your little soul. This is how Italy thinks Rieslings should taste. Take that Germany!
Steeple Jack Moscato Currency Creek, Australia Glass – $6 Bottle – $20
While she was getting ready to get married to Jack, Mary and her sister and friends drank this sweet Moscato. Pear, apple, and strawberry shine through. And it has a great name! If you missed our awesome wedding, you can sip this on a summer night watching fireflies dance in the dark or with people you love and feel sweet about.
Thibaut- Janisson Virginia Fizz Monticello, Virginia Bottle – $40
Why: Thibaut and Janisson products are renowned throughout the wine world, so when they decided to make a 100% fizzy Chardonnay from all-Virginia grapes we had to put it on the menu. We love it and you will too. By far, one of major the things that makes Virginia fun these days.
WHITE
Accuro Classico Torrontes 2009 Mendoza, Argentina Glass – $9 Bottle – $27
This dry and crisp South American white stands up well alone or with food. This is one of Argentina’s famous grapes for a reason.
Am Rhein Wine Cellars Traminette 2009 Roanoke, Virginia Glass – $10 Bottle – $30
We think that this sweet Traminette will be the next “big” grape in Virginia wine production, and this bottle shows that off nicely.
Am Rhein Wine Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Roanoke, Virginia Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
New Zealand style with Virginia terroir! It’s bright, it’s crisp with a humorous hint of kiwi.
Baron Ladoucette Les Deux Tours Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Touraine, Loire, France
Bottle – $33
A classic Sauvignon Blanc (crisp citrus, herbs, and minerals) made to ridiculously high standards.
Domaine de Belle Mare Le Rivage Blanc 2008 Languedoc- Roussillon, France Bottle – $50
The wine maker of this incredible blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Roussanne is a 29-year-old female, Fabienne Capello, who was told that her wines would never stand up to others at the vineyard. She proved them wrong. Her wine is one of our favorite bottles ever. We are truly excited to have it on our list, and you can come back in three years and see how it ages because we’re keeping a case just for you (and us).
Domaine de Belle Mare Le Delice des Anges Blanc 2009 Languedoc- Roussillon, France
Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
We love 29 year old businesswomen (see above) and this wine. This clean wine is reminiscent of Georgia peaches and warm afternoons. It’s 50% Roussanne and 50% Viognier, so it’s a pretty wild-tasting glass.
Domaine Tissier et Fils Sancerre 2010 Chavignol, France
Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
Florent Tissier is 31 years old and obsessed with terroir because his small vineyard in the Sancerre district is comprised of chalk clay and ‘silex’ flint soils. He also hates chemicals that hinder the natural expression of his grapes. Expect a floral delicacy and mineral depth you’ve never experienced in a Sauvignon Blanc.
Estrella Pinot Grigio 2009 Napa, California Glass – $5 Bottle – $17
Because people like Pinot Grigio and at $5, anyone can come in here and have a pretty good glass of it. This is a nice, dry, smoky glass that’s got what most are looking for. Belly-up to the bar and start a conversation.
Gadino Cellars Barrel Select Chardonnay 2010 Washington, Virginia Glass – $10 Bottle – $30
Nicely oaked and made in Virginia, this Chardonnay is made by an Italian family that has been making great wines in their homeland for years and decided to give our fantastic terroir a try. Washington, VA is known for its rocky soil, and you can really tell what’s going on in this bottle.
Gilles Benoit Chardonnay 2009 Pays D’Oc, France Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
The owner of J.W. Sieg decided to go to France and find a vintner to create custom wine. It must be nice to be one of the largest distributors in Virginia. Sigh. Have a glass and dream–or a bottle and dream with friends.
Willi Haag Braunberger Riesling Kabinett 2008 Mosel, Germany Glass – $10 Bottle – $30
German wine makers love perfection; this Riesling, not too dry–not too sweet, proves it. Rustic, classic, fresh.
Jean Dumont Vouvray 2010 Loire, France Glass – $10 Bottle – $30
This Vouvray is a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Apples and oranges, pears and lemons. Some things just work well in a barrel together. It’s a nice round taste that should be sought after more vigilantly.
Steeple Jack Chardonnay 2010 Currancy Creek, Australia Glass – $6 Bottle – $20
It’s an unoaked Chardonnay that has a crisp acidity that is pleasing on even the most discerning palate. We have this one on here because not everyone likes an oaky Chard, and sometimes we’re in the mood for a steel-barrel bite, too.
New Kent Chardonnay Reserve Bottle 2009 New Kent County, Virginia Bottle – $60
Winner of the 2011 Governor’s Cup, on the lees in American oak barrels, this wine delivers more than any other Virginian Chardonnay I’ve ever had. It’s round and buttery and everything a Chardonnay should be with that touch of exuberance and fun that you want out of the vibrant wine world of Virginia. This wine really shows how far Virginia has come since 1982 (the first year the Governor’s Cup was awarded) and it points in the direction this state is going when it comes to wine.
Vigneron Buzet Le Lys Buzet, France Glass – $9 Bottle – $27
Deliciously off-dry and the result of patience and nurturing. It reminds the French of the Buzet region of the days early 19th century.
Avaniel Rosado 2010 Ribera del Duero, Spain Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Rose wine is lovely, isn’t it? This one is made from Tempranillo grapes, which means it’s got an incredible aroma and is fruit forward. It makes Spanish women blush, and it’ll make you blush, too.
RED
Accuro Malbec 2009 Mendoza, Argentina Glass – $9 Bottle – $27
Why: Sultry and bold, much like our Argentine friend Pablo. This bottle boasts everything that has made Malbecs from Argentina the rage for the last few years.
Arete Cabernet-Merlot Leon, VA Glass – $5 Bottle – $17
This blend is perfect for its price. It’s 100% Virginia, and has some cherry tones with a helping of tanins, too.
Cardinal Point Vineyards Rockfish Red 2010 Monticello, Virginia Glass – $9 Bottle – $27
This red blend is made just up the road from us. It’s a really good blend, and for a table wine from Virginia, it’s fantastic. Nice, light, and evenly balanced, it would pair broadly, so if you’re at a table where everyone’s ordering something different, get a bottle.
Casa de la Ermita Monastrell Petit Verdot 2006 Jumilla, Spain Glass – $11 Bottle – $33
This deeply tannic blend makes the mouth pucker in just the perfect way. We tried this one and said out loud simultaneously in stereo, “Scottie Scott would love this,” and then he walked in. We love our regulars because they have such great taste!
Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Paso Robles, California Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
We just wanted a Paso Robles Cab on here that didn’t kill your wallet. It’s deep purple and has a long vanilla finish.
Castle Rock Petit Verdot 2007 Calistoga, California Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Compare this to the great petites of Virginia (we make good ones in VA). This wine has a nice mossy, earthy bouquet with berries, and it has great structure and perfect tannin on the finish. Where growing seasons are long, this grape really rocks, California might have a thing or two to teach Virginian palates. .
Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2008 Central Coast, California Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Nice and smooth, this rich Pinot pairs with most meals, so it’s great for big parties.
Chateau Jacquet de la Grave 2008 Bourdeaux, France Glass – $8 Bottle $25
A house favorite, this wine is complex, strong, bold, and absolutely delicious. Just like Jack Morgan. Complex, complex, complex. But seriously, Bordeaux is the most important region for wine, and this one is wonderful.
Cottonwood Creek Organic Red Blend 2010 Madera, California Glass – $5 Bottle – $17
We like sustainability. This wine is eco-friendly and stands up to our rigid taste standards. It has a nice fruit forward flavor with a tart finish. Cottonwood Creek would be great to sip with friends or pair with a bowl of our organic chicken and dumplin’s.
Dogajolo Toscano 2010 Tuscany, Italy Glass – $9 Bottle – $27
They call this a “Super Tuscan.” This Red has the power of a young wine and the elegance and balance of an aged wine. Small wooden casks, separate vinification accomplish the impossible. Fruity start, smoky finish.
Domaine de Bel Air La Fosse Aux Loups Chinon 2006 Loire, France Bottle – $32
“The Crazy Wolf.” Three generations of winemakers have brought us to this incredible bottle. It starts with a maceration process of 10-12 days, then the juice is transferred into cement tanks until September. Then it’s bottled in late October. This is a “wow” bottle. Currants and spice dominate this wine, making it a perfect wine for a chilly fall afternoon or with anything roasted.
Domaine de Saint Ennemond Clos Reyssier 2010 Beaujolais Villages, France
Glass – $9 Bottle – $27
We wanted to have a Beaujolais Villages on the menu because it has to come from a subset of villages, making it special. This wine is more complex than most young French wines. It is intensa nd Wonderfully vibrant.
Familia Pacheco Organic Monastrell Syrah 2009 Jumilla, Spain Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
This region is where these two grapes were born to grow, but no one would have ever known it had the Phylloxera not reared its ugly little head in France. Pacheco has created a beautifully structured, intense, spicy wine that has subtle notes of dark beer and full berries. The bottle is filled with adventure, and adventurous spirits love it.
Gadino Cellars Cabernet Franc 2008 Washington, Virginia Bottle – $37
Why: This juicy, rich red Cabernet Franc really shows off Virginia’s premier red grape. Made by an Italian family who moved to Virginia to continue a long history of wine making. They chose Northern Virginia because it’s rocky soil makes great grapes.
Gilles Benoit Merlot 2008 Languedoc-Roussillon, France Glass-6 Bottle – $23
The story about how this wine came to be is fascinating and long. Even more fascinating to me is how they managed to get this much oak and complexity into a juice that was reared in stainless steal. These grapes speak for themselves; it’s what would happen if B.F. Skinner liked grapes.
Horton’s Norton 2009 Gordonsville, Virginia Glass – $10 Bottle – $30
Norton is a native Virginia grape that produced the internationally prize winning clarets of the Monticello Wine Company of Charlottesville in the late 1800’s. 14 months in oak. Absolutely phenomenal. Fall in LOVE!
Kluge Albemarle Red 2007 Albemarle, Virginia Glass – $10 Bottle – $30
Do you hate Donald Trump, the owner of this vineyard? Join the club. But this was made before he owned it and it’s absolutely luscious. Plus, it’s grown down the road.
Les Vignerons de Lesquerde Les Arnes de Granit 2009 Languedoc- Roussillon, France
Bottle – $35
It’s gritty and soft like a pillow filled with tiny beads of sandy tapioca. This luscious wine was made from grapes grown in shale near the coast of France– hence the name “Granit.” This makes for a distinctly beautiful deep wine with long legs and rich, subtle undertones. Serge Gainsbourg would totally date this wine.
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, California Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Mutineer Magazine called this the best Paso Robles for the price. We agree. It’s a delight to have it on our list.
Marque de Riscal Proximo Rioja 2009 Rioja, Spain Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
Because old dogs learning new tricks is special. This impressive new wine is 93% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, and 2% Manzuelo. Candied red cherry, a liquorice finish, like a bon-bon for grown-ups. So yummy.
Mercer Merlot 2007 Columbia, Washington Bottle – $43
First of all, the Columbia Valley is huge for wine. If you haven’t had a glass from this region, you should because it might change your life. This bottle has the edges of a softened lens. It’s like a movie starring Elizabeth Taylor where every time you look at her it’s blurry and beautiful, like you’ve been instantly lost in a stunning haze. Cherry and chocolate, wrapped in vanilla and soft tannins, packaged in silk then looked at through a veil of rose-colored fog.
Morgan Cotes du Crow’s 2009 Monterrey County, California Bottle – $40
Because our last name is Morgan and this wine is just unbelievable. 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, this wine is perfectly balanced. It smells like a tea party, black tea and cloves and strawberry jam. It’s fermented in open top tanks, manually punched down, then aged in French oak barrels. One of our favorite bottles on the list and plus, what a name!
Naked Earth Organic Rouge 2009 Languedoc- Roussillon, France Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Why: We love the wild taste organic growing lends to wine. This incredible blend (Merlot, Cab Sauv, Grenache, and Carignan) goes beyond organic and steps into the realm of biodynamic– meaning that the grapes are made by the environment instead of being forced into soil that doesn’t sustain them well. This makes for a beautiful, rich wine full of flavor with hints of cherry, chocolate, and espresso.
Prince Michel Cabernet Franc Restaurant Reserve 2007 Leon, Virginia
Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Quite fruity with coffee and pepper whispers. This is Virginia’s official red grape, and this is a great testament as to why.
Elios Mediterranean Red 2009 Thessaloniki, Greece Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
In many ways, the Greeks started this whole wine craze. It took a while to find a Greek wine we loved enough to stick on our list. This one is well-structured, rich, and spicy.
Frei Brothers Zinfandel 2009 Sonoma County, California Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
Sonoma is such a cool wine town. This Zin weighs in at 15% Alc., which gives it a knock out body. Tons of layers here: red and black currant, black and white pepper, nutmeg, and a finish that coats your mouth in a delicious curtain of joy.
Rigal Original Malbec 2008 Cahors, France Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
The original spot for growing Malbec, this region is the one who sent cuttings to Argentina. Now that the world has fallen in love with their grape, the French want to reclaim some of that popularity. This is the French answer to the South American Malbec from one of the oldest growers of this varietal. The 2009 was wine-pages.com’s wine of week, and we’re fortunate to have 2008. It’s a mellow, smooth, fruit-forward glass that will make you say Argen-what?
Riva Rey Tempranillo 2007 La Rioja, Spain Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Goes great with food. It’s fruity with a hint of smoke. It’s versatile.
Rivetto Barolo Giulin 2005 Piedmont, Italy Bottle – $70
Wine Spectator gave this bottle 91 points and Robert Parker gave it 92 with a caveat: best after 2011. It’s velvety, chewy tannins, creamy aroma, and big, fruity finish make Italy declare “victory” over the wine world.
Silver Ridge Pinot Noir 2009 Napa, California Glass – $7 Bottle – $23
Why: Finding a Pinot Noir that was affordable and palatable proved to be a very difficult task; however, Silver Ridge more than does the trick. A perfect balance of fruit and oak, this wine is sure to please even the pickiest Pinot drinker.
Spinelli Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2008 Atessa, Italy Glass – $5 Bottle – $17
Soft Italian wine is not for the uninitiated sometimes, but we think this is a pretty good entry-level bottle, especially if you’re at a table where everyone has something different to eat and you all want to share wine. And you can’t beat the price; mama mia!.
Stella Organics Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Western Cape, South Africa Glass – $8 Bottle – $25
Organic, no sulphur added. You will like this one because of it’s intense ruby color, dark cherry and tobacco and vanilla and mint and red pepper even dancing in the background of you fervent mind as you drink it..
Steeple Jack Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Currency Creek, Australia Glass – $6 Bottle – $20
Steeple Jack consistently is a good wine at a great value. This fun bottle has plenty of character– lightly dry and slightly fruity.
Stone Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2006 Monticello, VA Bottle – $39
Why: We think Cab Franc will be declared the official grape of Virginia if Petit Verdot doesn’t scheme its way in. Virginia does an amazing job with this grape, and this bottle is proof. This deeply complex wine has been aged to perfection for almost 6 years. It would pair wonderfully with olives and cheese or a heartier dish like butternut squash and mushroom ravioli.
Tapeña Garnacha 2010 Castilla, Spain Glass – $6 Bottle – $20
A dancer in the dark, and a dark cherry horse. The Spanish have returned to claim their grape that usually travels under the name “Grenache.” This Latin lover will have you crying more, more, more.
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2009 Mendoza, Argentina Bottle – $35
Because complexity is the name of the game (a lot of complexity). It’s smooth from the start with a big and juicy blackberry and a splash of tart cherry. It finishes silky and fruity. Delightfully shy for a Malbec.
Sake (Nihon ni ikimashou!)
Gekkeikan Zipang Bottle – $12
Sparkling Sake?! Indeed! This gluten-free delight is delicious, fizzy, refreshing, and comes in a cool bottle.
Gekkeikan (warm) Bottle – $6
A very typical warmed presentation. Great by itself or with a seafood or shellfish dish. Sharing is caring.
Gekkeikan Nigori Bottle – $11
Smooth and wonderful. Cloudy and mysterious. This is Japan in a bottle.
Ko’s Hoo Bottle – $30
Warm or chilled, this is the kind of bottle of “O-Sake” that will astrally project you to Japan. It’s unbelievably delicious and worth every penny. Try, try, try.
Shirakawago Nigori Bottle – $30
When I was moving back from Japan to the United States, I was frantic to find bottles of this at the last second so that I could bring them home to share with my friends and family. This super polished, unfiltered rice wine is made in an ancient Japanese village at the thatch-roofed Hachiman Shrine.
Dessert (End your meal right)
The Portly Gentleman Port Glass – $7
Like the love-child of a Tawny and a Ruby, this port has tanginess with a nice bit of fruit and a nutty backbone you’ll love. A great Port for Port-lovers and for those who generally stay starboard.
Victoria Tawny Port Glass – $7
Sweet fruit like a good Tawny should have, but it has a nice, fresh finish I think you’ll find surprising.
Rapidan River Chocolate Glass – $7
Wowza! This wine tastes like chocolate! There’s chocolate in this wine!
Rapidan River Raspberry Glass – $5
Woah! This wine tastes like raspberry! There’s raspberry in this wine!
Stone Mountain Cherry Glass – $9
A rather delicious wine that kind of tastes like a cherry sherry. If you like deep, authentic cherry tones or a nice, sweet sherry, drink this now.
Gekkeikan Plum Wine Glass – $5
This plum wine is syrupy and silky like the seductive koto song of the geisha.
