No April Foolin' Grab Bag

Your blogger will not be presenting any April Fool's gags or pranks. We give maybe too much attention to the news, and there's enough April Foolin' there for everyone. There's a lot to talk about today, so that's enough preamble.

In-Store Events

There is such a full schedule at both stores that we've been dedicating our Thursday blog posts to detailing the upcoming events. Click here for yesterday's post, which fully covers this weekend and previews other events.

What's New

We're departing slightly from the usual New Products section, but since we make the rules, it's ok.

Actually, the first thing to discuss here isn't a product. Both stores are now posting to Instagram. For Lawrenceville, it's joe_canalslv and it's joe_canalswb for Woodbridge.

Reserve de la Saurine Vin de Pays du Gard Rosé 2015. As you can see from the picture, our receiving area is not a particularly photogenic spot. The point is to show our allotment of the 2015 vintage of this popular Rosé. It's a  fresh, fruit-forward Grenache blend offering flavors of raspberry and spice with a very approachable personality and easy drinkability. At only $7.96 in the Bottle Club®, we recommend a case purchase, to enjoy when this warm weather decides to stay. Just ask for the Saurine Rosé.

Underwood Pinot Noir. Underwood draws from the diverse palette of vineyards and wine growing regions that Oregon offers to create approachable everyday drinking wines. You may have already enjoyed Underwood Pinot Noir, as we've carried it for a while. What's new here is the 375ml size-in a can!

It's hard to keep your pinky up when you’re drinking wine from a 375 ML can. These are the most approachable and ready-to-travel anywhere wines we produce. Whether you’re sitting in a hot tub after a good day of riding or heading where other wines dare not travel, we have you covered without sacrificing the craft taste Union is known for.

Underwood Pinot Noir tasting notes: Cherries, raspberries, and chocolate. This 375ML can is available for only $5.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Falesco Vitiano Bianco 2014. Here is another new vintage of a wine that's particularly popular in the warmer weather. The cold maceration, fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks maintains intact the characteristics of the two varieties Verdicchio (50%) and Vermentino (50%), creating a perfect balance between the mosaic structure of the first and the intriguing aroma of the second. Vitiano Bianco is a balanced, delightful, and fresh wine with captivating aromas of citrusy lime, ripe Anjou pear, and fragrant herbs. Vitiano Bianco is the perfect accompaniment to pasta with shellfish, summer casseroles, and garden salads. At only $7.98 in the Bottle Club®, it's wine to enjoy all summer long.

2011 Brunello di Montalcino. The first wines from this amazing vintage have started to arrive. The Mocali scored 93 points from Wine Spectator, earning this review: "This lively red exhibits cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus, tobacco and mineral flavors. The firm tannins work in tandem with the bright acidity, leaving a long, refreshing finish that echoes the fruit, earth and savory elements. Best from 2018 through 2028. 3,800 cases made."

Le Ragnaie's 2011 Fornace Brunello earned 95 points from James Suckling, and is currently available only in Lawrenceville (coming soon to Woodbridge). Both stores have the 2011 Brunello's from Campogiovanni, Caparzo and the Le Lucere Brunello (92 points, James Suckling) from San Filippo.

There is always a limited supply of any Brunello. Whether you're cellaring or savoring now, get your choice while you can.

Ripped from the Headlines

Robots may take over fermenting. Click here for the Wine Spectator article.

Have a great weekend!