Pieve Vecchia Maremma Bianco ‘Le Zere’ 2009 - $12.99

Wine of theWeek on sale for $7.96

(Vermentino, Fiano, Tuscany, Italy)

Maremma is a region in the southwest corner of Tuscany. New to the America consumer, wines like this will quickly win hearts. Pieve Vecchia shows the face of modern Italy: an ultramodern winery sits nearby a refurbished medieval inn, or “locanda.” Vicenzo Monaci blends the white grape of the Tuscan coast, Vermentino, with a grape from the south, Fiano. Plush on the palate, this soft white shows peach, pear, pineapple with hints of lemon and herb. Striking labels blow up a part the first letter of the wine as the graphic element.

Santor Santameriana 2010 - $10.99

Tasting price $9.89

(Santameriana, Achaias; Greece)

Santor hand harvests all their grapes in the traditional style with many hands and songs.

(Does singing to your grape vines as you steal their fruit have the same nurturing effect as talking to your house plants?) Santameriana is an uncommon grape hailing from an agricultural village in Acahai. Though there are still castle ruins bearing the same santameri name, the grape started losing popularity in the 1950’s. It was mostly ripped out and replaced with grapes that brought a higher price. Only a very small number of bush vines survived until several years ago when Santor grafted new Santameriana vines and now produce the only all varietal wine from those grapes.

Bodegas Vina Nora Albarino 2011 - $16.99

Tasting price $15.29

(Albarino; Rias Baixas, Spain)

“Bodegas Nora is a small 48-acre jewel of an estate that specializes in the prized Albarino grape, Spain’s most exciting and expensive white varietal. Nora is one of two Albarino wines from this sequestered estate; at Nora no lesser varietals need apply. Nora is a wine that springs from the banks of the Miño River, Galicia’s mighty waterway, which flows swiftly on the last leg of its journey through the mountains of northern Spain to the Atlantic Ocean. This is the real Galicia, a handsome rugged country that is known for its fine food as well as its wine.” - Twistingvines.com

Bodegas Borsao Garnacha 2010 - $8.99

Tasting price $8.09

(85% Garnacha, 15% Tempranillo; Campo De Borja, Spain)

“Borsao Tinto is fermented and aged in stainless steel. It’s aromas of Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits are surprisingly complex. Supple, concentrated, and lengthy on the palate, this excellent value will provide enjoyment over the next 4 years.” - Jay Miller

Cellers Unio Senorio De Convey 2008 - $14.99

Tasting price $13.49

(50% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 20% Syrah; Spain)

“The traditionally grown, low production Grenache, Carignan and Syrah vines are selected and the grapes are hand harvested at optimal maturity. The must is macerated with the grape skins for 12 days. Each variety is fermented separately in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 24ºC. Malolactic fermentation is followed by the "crianza" (ageing) process in barrels. The Grenache and Syrah varieties are aged in French oak and the Carignan in American. The wine continues its ageing process in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months, until the tannins mellow and the characteristic bouquet is obtained. With flavours of Intense cherry red colour and aroma of wild berries, nuances of oak and mineral notes. Pleasant, drinkable and potent.” - Cellers Unio

Chateau de Champteloup Pinot Noir 2011 - $9.99

Wine of theWeek on sale for $7.96

(Pinot Noir; Loir, France)

In the heart of France’s Loire River Valley lies the Touraine wine region. Although it produces vast amounts of well-priced, fresh, mostly white wines, lovely reds like this are broadening Touraine’s appeal. This wine may seem familiar to you. It is a sibling of the Touraine Sauvignon Blanc we’ve offered for months. Serge de Bucy employs a light touch in his winemaking, using no wood and doing as little as possible to preserve freshness. Bright cherry and strawberry fruits are followed by a soft, smooth palate.