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 These two are hard
to beat:
Grand
Cru Blanc de Blancs Cuvée de Réserve $85
+ Grand Cru l'Esprit de 2019 $120 After
a eight month absence Pierre Peters is back on the
Renegade shelves. Their Cuvee de Reserve is
wonderfully engaging right out of the gate; an
exquisite Champagne from Rodolphe Péters.
His follow up, l'Esprit de 2019, is a stunner; natural intensity, super classic, a don't miss this Summer. From vineyards in Le Mesnil, Avize, Cramant, and Oger.  The
labels drew us in, but then we tasted the wines
and were somewhat astounded at the quality. Radici
e Filari is a multi-generation estate
located in the Langhe region of Piemonte. Organic
and biodynamic, Renato Buganza and his family have
been termed 'wine-wizards'.
The
first wine:
2021
Radici e Filari Barbera d'Asti La Matota $28.50
made with Barbera grapes grown in La Morra, is dark and juicy, super fresh, with a rustic elegance. 2018
Radici e Filari Risa (Italy, Piedmont, Langhe
DOC) $30
While
the back label says Nebbiolo, the story doesn't
end there as a mysterious second grape is included
in this wine.
Here's
the backstory:
An
ancient variety of Gamay is our mystery guest. How
did this random French grape end up in Italy?
The
House of Savoy did it. This historic ruling house
of Italy and France united a huge chunk of the
western Alps, where France, Italy and
Switzerland now lie. The French presence in
Piemonte helped establish early vineyard and
winemaking techniques with the most planted grape
being Gamay.
There are two rows of Gamay in Renato's vineyard which are pre-phylloxera! SO...the final blend here is actually 85% Nebbiolo and 15% ancient Gamay. This makes for a very unique wine; utterly delicious too.  2022
Moreau-Naudet Chablis (France,
Burgundy, Chablis) $60
This mineral-driven
Chablis is everything you want out of Chardonnay
from northern Burgundy: it’s crisp, it’s
thirst-quenching, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Notes of underripe stone fruit, lemon zest, and
salty chalk dominate the wine’s acid-driven palate.
This bottle seriously overdelivers for the price. A rare and magical wine not to be missed.  2022
Domaine Yves Cuilleron Viognier Les Vignes d'à
Côté (France, Northern Rhône) $30
And
then we came across the best Viognier we've had in
years!
From a classic
vigneron in the Northern Rhone, this under-priced
Viognier is a real treat.'Les Vignes d'a Cote' comes from the commune of Chavanay, which is close to the Condrieu appellation. It is dry, balanced, clean, and round with good depth, medium + body, and pleasant acidity. The smooth palate presents peach, apricot, stone, minerals, lemon zest, spice, and floral with a hint of wood. Delicious with grilled chicken, crab, scampi, scallops and tapas.  2022
Lyrarakis Rose Liatiko Kedros (Greece,
Crete) $24
Globe
hopping over to Greece we find another vintage of
this great 100% LiaCrete Rose.
Pale and pretty
pink. Beautiful red-cherry notes. Real intensity on
the palate, dry, textured, stony, minerally with
island elegance. We're obsessed with this one!  On Sale: $130 (reg
$160)
2019
Roberto Voerzio Barolo del Commune di La Morra
(Italy, Piedmont)
We're
not sure why the importer lowered the price on
what is a classic Barolo from a perfect vintage.
We didn't wonder long though; we simply
ordered...a bunch.
A luxurious,
enticing wine full of the best Barolo has to offer.
Rose petal, earth, dried spice, dark berry, length
finish. Give this a few hours in the decanter then
enjoy. Sharing optional. We
are finishing with two great Sangioveses from the
classic 2021 vintage in Tuscany. Here's Antonio
Galloni weighing in on the vintage:
"Two
thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young
vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico.
Period. Full stop. The 2021s are majestic wines
endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and
all the energy that is such a signature of the
appellation."
We
recommend beginning with these two:
2021
Fattoria Di Sammontana Chianti $24
The quality if
fabulous and the price a bit silly.and 2021 Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico $25 Call
805.568.1961 or email
us if interested.
We appreciate your support! Renegade Wines 417 Santa Barbara Street Suite A-6 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-568-1961 Renegade
Wines - 805.568.1961 - http://www.renegadewines.com
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