Weekly Steals

This week we present to you two wines that are extremely under priced. Every now and then we come across true hidden gems we must introduce to you. Due to lack of marketing and availability these wines are chock full of flavor and quality but don’t carry large price tags. We hope you enjoy this week’s steals!

2007 Quinta do Ameal Branco Seco, Vinho Verde, Portugal                  

$11.50

This Vinho Verde by Quinta do Ameal is not your average Vinho Verde. Firstly there is no signature effervescence. Secondly it has incredible depth and a remarkable finish indicative of a quality wine. At $11.50 it is a true steal!

Vinho Verde literally means Green Wine in Portuguese. It is named thus not because of its color but because it is typically a fresh wine that is not intended for aging. This wine however is an exception to the rule. It is lively yet mature and can continue to evolve in the bottle beautifully for a few more years. The 2007 vintage in particular was exceptionally kind in northern Portugal, with a good ratio of sunshine and rainfall, producing fantastic fruit.

Quinta do Ameal is situated in the northern sub region of Ponte de Lima in one of the oldest parishes of the country. In fact the parish dates back to 1143 A.D., around the same time Portugal was established. Vinified in stainless steel from 100% Loureiro, it is a unique white wine that will have you falling in love with Portuguese wine once again.

This wine has lovely tropical fruit notes dusted with light saline notes intertwined with a distinct bay leaf aroma. This wine will go perfectly with paella or steamed mussels and to accentuate the herbaceous notes include bay leaf in the dish. 

2007 CS Cellars The Hammer Merlot, Calistoga, California                   

$16.00

Thanks to the movie ‘Sideways’ Merlot has become a very misunderstood wine. It can be a very delicious wine that goes well with a variety of fare. Since it is an easy-to-grow varietal it is often produced in bulk quantities, but as you know here at Vestry we strive to carry only small production hand crafted wines. The Hammer Merlot is just that. Carefully crafted by Chris Sweetanos, a veteran winemaker from California, this wine will definitely change your mind about Merlot and at $16 there’s no excuse not to pick this one up. Its rich full body is the perfect segue into the approaching fall and cooler weather. It is lush and full of rich blackberry and black plum tones swirled with a dollop of vanilla and toasted oak notes.

Enjoy this with a Portobello burger topped with bleu cheese. The earthy notes will be accentuated with the mushrooms and the grilled aspect brings out the rustic oaky flavors. For a more eclectic pairing, try it with a blueberry wild rice dish. The combination will be perfectly balanced with the big fruit and underlying rusticity of both the wine and rice dish. 

TR