01/16/2025
January is the time we often reflect inward and make goals for the month or year to come. For some of us, that comes in the form of DRY JANUARY (Hey pals, we miss ya- did you know we have lots of N/A options in the shop?!).
For us at Off Premise it's turning our focus to drinking BETTER (which doesn't have to mean more expensive).
More and more winemakers, distillers and brands are producing wine and spirits with minimal intervention, no additives and coloring, and the highest quality fruit, grain and raw material. Farmers and producers are going beyond more than just 'organic', but integrating sustainable and regenerative farming and production practices along with establishing initiatives to protect workers across the industry. Many of us already set high expectations for the quality and sustainability of the foods we eat, doesn't it make sense to set these expectations for the wine and spirits we drink as well?
We have and continue to make the commitment to honor these values in the wine and spirits we choose to carry without sacrificing quality and taste. We appreciate that many of our customers are quite educated and already seek to 'Drink Better'. You can feel comfortable in knowing you can trust us to do the research for you.
And now, January Club wines..
Wine Club
For anyone interested in learning more about wine this year, Off Premise Wine Club (https://www.offpremisechicago.com/product/off-premise-wine-club/3746) is a great way to try a large selection of high quality wine while saving money.
Disclaimer: If you dislike adventure this club is not for you.
Vin Des Potes was created by two passionate sommeliers, Basile and Yoan, who collaborate with various winemakers in different regions, who all share their philosophy of natural winemaking. Each cuvée is the result of “1 winemaker + 1 terroir + Basile + Yoan.” Their wines, regardless of who they collaborate with, are organically or biodynamically farmed, harvested by hand, fermented with only indigenous yeasts, made with nothing added or taken away in the cellar. Stefano Amerighi, the winemaker Vin Des Potes has collaborated with for ‘La Botte Secrete’ is the owner of a small yet mighty wine estate in Tuscany, focused on sustainability and regenerative farming.
The nose reveals an inviting bouquet of red fruits, particularly cherry and raspberry, intertwined with subtle herbal notes and a hint of earthiness while floral undertones further enhance its complexity. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with lively acidity that accentuates its freshness. Ripe red berry flavors take center stage, while nuances of spice and minerality emerge as the wine opens up. The tannins are soft and well-integrated, resulting in a smooth mouthfeel while the finish is clean and refreshing, leaving a lingering impression of fruit complemented by a touch of earthiness.
Toad Hollow is the collaboration of two old friends who retired, more or less, to an existence of peace and quiet in the Hollow, after a life of whirlwind world travel. Todd Williams, one of the founders, was the older brother of actor Robin Williams. Robin gave Todd the nickname "Toad" because he couldn't say "Todd" as a child. Toad Hollow is a charming locale in California, known for its vibrant orange-hued toads that inhabit the area. The community is surrounded by lush landscapes and features a variety of natural habitats that support wildlife. Visitors can explore the picturesque surroundings, enjoying the unique blend of ecology and color that defines Toad Hollow. Their mission is to produce quality wines that are delicious, interesting and accessible.
A field blend of 64% Chenin Blanc 14% Muscat 9% Grenache Gris 8% Pinot Grigio / Gris 5% Grenache Blanc. This wine is rich, vibrant, with aromas of acacia flowers, yellow plum, lime, yellow apple, and notes of wild flower tea. On the palate, flavors of tangerine, white peach, apricot, and pink grapefruit are driven by a mineral backbone into a dry finish.
A Galician winery run by a husband and wife team, Fento Wines are made with sustainably farmed grapes from micro vineyards in Ribeira Sacra, one of inland Galicia’s best-kept secrets. They work closely with several producers to address farming difficulties such as erosion, cover cropping, and sustainability. Grapes are grown on the dramatic slopes of the Ribeira Sacra where tiny plots of local grapes cling to the terrain. The fruit is hand-picked, fermented with native yeasts. Made from the native Godello, a unique grape growing in popularity and demand as the world becomes aware of its bright and mineral driven profile and ability to express terroir.
This Godello has bright aromas of lemongrass, almond, apricot and faint notes of herb. Flavors of peach skin, lemon verbena, quince and chamomile on the plate. This wine shows an incredible saline minerality that delivers a long lasting finish showing a balance of concentration and grace.
Burgundy Club
We only have two more of the January Burgundy Club (https://www.offpremisechicago.com/product/off-premise-burgundy-club/5658) selections available! Excellent, powerful wines for these cold winter months! Don't hesitate (https://www.offpremisechicago.com/product/off-premise-burgundy-club/5658) on this month as you may miss out!
A popular Burgundy question we often get is What is the difference between wines from Pommard and Volnay. Pommard and Volnay are neighboring villages in the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy that are both known for their distinctive and prestigious red wines. Pommard wines are generally considered more powerful, often needing at least five years in the bottle before being ready to open, while Volnay wines are considered more elegant and finessed. Armand Heitz proves this true with this rich and serious Premier Cru site Pommard.
The 2019 Burgundy vintage is considered to be one of the most anticipated vintages since 2005 and this Premier Cru site in Pommard from producer Armand Heitz is no exception. The 2019 is the highest rated vintage for this Pommard across the board. An estate dating back to the 1800s, Armand focuses on biodiversity in the vineyards and meticulous viticulture and winemaking to produce wines of incredibly high quality.
A deep purple color this wine offers rich and fragrant aromas of lovely violet, ripe strawberry, pepper and dried leaves. The palate is muscular, offering weight while notes of red cherry and stony minerality balance and lift. Hinting at flavors of earth and meat, the wine shows plenty of intense red and dark berries while embracing a long and evolving finish. Can drink now or can wait 10-15 years.
Really interesting fact- 2020 was the first time since 1943 that new Premier Cru vineyard status has been bestowed in Burgundy and it allowed some of Pouilly-Fuissé’s most exceptional vineyards to achieve recognition as part of the greatest white wine appellation in Burgundy. La Frérie was among 22 vineyard sites nominated to Pouilly-Fuissé premier cru status in 2020 with its south-east facing vines of 65 years old, sitting at an altitude of 950 feet.
The Auvigue family have been farming the vineyard for generations. The wine is made from organically-farmed grapes grown in the premier cru vineyard of La Frerie entirely of the Auvigue estate. Crafted by Jean-Pierre and Michel Auvigue, third generation proprietors at their historic estate, facing the majestic Rock of Solutré in the heart of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation.
Aromas of jasmine, violets, apple, hazelnut, honeysuckle and dried orange peel. On the palate is richly layered citrus and tropical fruit, honeyed notes. A touch of acidity brings brightness to the full, satiny, and enveloping body leading into a long, citrus and mineral finish.
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