I am hoping that everyone understands my supreme joy that Annaliese has chosen to write the perfect 'wine of the moment' posting on her own blog. Check it out, and the entire blog for that matter, at http://www.groceryguy.blogspot.com/2007/07/wine-time-beaujolais-blanc.html

Labels: chardonnay, french, whites

When I first opened Vine I was all about the Gruner Veltliner. I love this grape; so much versatility and so much to love about it. How was I to know that those smart Austrians would start exporting liter sized bottles of a table wine version of Gruner Veltliner, thereby making it the new grape on everyone's proverbial lips. Howevrin the world of Gruner and wine in general if you like the table wine version of a grape there is usually a more refined version that will knock your socks off.

And boy is this wine ever it.

Right now the Weelfel Gruner is drinking perfectly. Very well rounded with a supple acicity that hits you in all the right parts of your tongue. You can taste the spicy ganny smith apples and oh the mouth feel: WOW! We have a few bottles left and yes they are 21.95 each but if you happen to score some of the last few Heirloom tomatoes, especially the ultra-cool green ones, then pick up a bottle of this wine and sit down to an absolutely amazing experience.

Labels: austrian, gruner veltliner, whites

There's nothing I love hearing more than oddball wine (or grape) from the Languedoc. Why? The Languedoc, in Southwestern France along the Mediterranean, has long been the workhorse of France's wine production, pumping out a lot of grapes of varying quality. Think communion wine. In the past few years though, the Languedoc become a hotbed of new independent growers intent on high quality wines. Because it doesn't have the same pedigree as say, Bordeaux or the Loire, there are some amazing and well-priced wines that are true steals from this undersung region.

I know that the post on the main page is imploring you to treat yourself right with a nice bottle of wine. Yes, do that. But let's be realistic - we all need some maintenance bottles along with the fancy ones. A bottle La Chapelle de las Bastide Picpoul de Pinet will run you $7.95. It's bright, green and fresh. A perfect summer quaffer. And let's face it - summer is in no way done with us yet.

Labels: french, picpoul, whites

Just a couple months ago, you could stroll in to Vine Wine, pick up a bottle or two, settle in at home with your food- and entertainment-of-choice and enjoy your wine in a calm, controlled environment. But now, dear reader, it's summer and that means you'll be confronted with many obstacles to your wine-drinking comfort. These obstacles can include, but are not limited to, picnics, concerts, road trips, long subway rides, lazy afternoons in the park, sporting events and the ever-dangerous outdoor film screening. It isn't always practical to carry around a full bottle of wine into these events, especially if glass containers and/or alcohol are prohibited. Don't tell anyone, but there are ways of getting around these obstacles. Come closer. We here at Vine have a fine selection of super-spy half-bottles that often defy discovery. Ranging from syrah to sauvignon blanc, one of them, Conundrum, even has a twist-off top so you won't have to carry the incriminating corkscrew. Need something even more subversive? Come reeeeal close. Check out the Three Thieves Bandit 250ml juice boxes. Unless you're in the know, no one would suspect that these little boxes carry the drink of sin. They come in cabernet & pinot grigio singles, 4-packs or, if you feel brazen, 1 liter boxes. At ten bucks for a 4-pack or $7.95 a box, you can save your money for those spy sunglasses you've been saving up for. Go forth and enjoy your summer, wink wink.

Labels: cabernet, californian, pinot grigio, reds, whites

Let me tell you after a long day of traveling from Seattle to New York, coming home to a half bottle of Chardonnay from Calera was a treat. I popped it into the refrigerator for 20 minutes and then poured myself a refreshing glass of nicely oaked, lush fruit forward Chardonnay. It is a low committment wine that goes down so easily.

Labels: californian, chardonnay, whites