Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$19.99
It’s officially summer and the time of the year for some of the best white wines throughout the world to be released. So far, we have seen Sancerre, Chablis, a lovely little Spanish white wine but not enough representation from “the boot”. But today, I’m changing all of that with Italy’s own answer to Chablis– Soave and one of the best ones you’ll ever touch at anywhere near this price.
In fact, for decades, Soave was known as Petit Chablis in Italy– as the wine’s popularity spread all over the world. The best Soave can be eerily similar to Chablis in terms of minerality and spicy cut.
But in my mind, each region has something the other desperately wants. Chablis has the tradition of Burgundy and the respect of the entire wine world. But Italy’s wine white jewel, Gargenega is magical – way more diverse and interesting than Chardonnay for my money – and has the ability to get floral and boast juicy stone fruits.
But as Soave slowly gained popularity – production grew exponentially. Things were great. Until they weren’t. Wineries began getting complacent. Too many folks moved in and exploited Soave’s good name which sent the region spiraling in what the locals refer to as the “dark ages”.
In the last decade, the original great producers in the region like Gini, Pieropan and Pra have stepped up even more dramatically. Not only by not bowing to pressure to over crop and overly expand production, by continuing throughout this period to produce extremely high quality wines that just get better year after year. Today’s wine is the undeniable proof.
Out of stock
93 Points, James Suckling
Nicely balanced and very tasty white with aromas and flavors of lemon, pineapple and peach. Creamy mineral notes and a tinge of herb, too. Medium-bodied with a fresh, relaxed feel and a pleasant, lemon-cream and pineapple finish. Very refined feel. Drink now.
I understand how daunting it can be each year to get Leflaive into your collection. But, with two great vintages back to back in a six-pack, I’m making it easier than ever. The Mâcon-Verzé is a stunner and an incredible value. Drawn from nine special plots, and utilizing a combination of steel, cement and oak fermentation that leads to a wide array of flavor profiles. Fresh Granny Smith Apple set against a persistent minerality, refreshing with hints of Meyer Lemon. These are so stinkin’ good!
Our all-time favorite Chardonnay is back just as the summer heat wave is starting to wind down! The Wagner Family’s Santa Lucia Highlands slam dunk. This is one that Nicholas Wines readers can’t get enough of – it always delivers. It leads with an inviting nose with fresh citrus and lemon notes. It’s always juicy, bright and well-balanced – it’s classic Caymus, rich and hedonistic with a wonderful creaminess. This is quintessential California Chardonnay.
A large glass is necessary to capture the brilliant aromatics of Talmard’s Macon Uchizy. Aromas of ripe Meyer lemon, peach, honey and mint just blast from the glass upon pouring. The wine takes on weight with aeration, developing flavors of crisp green apple, juicy peach and lemon custard. The finish is long and fresh, so good with food. Roast some salmon, make sweet corn risotto, use it as an aperitif, it’s a great choice for a spring/summer-house white wine.
90+ Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
This one is electric, great minerality, great lemon lime and saltiness. It even has a little ageability. I’d drink this over the next few years. This is one of the absolute best expressions from the region (a Cru vineyard designate in 2011) and so perfect with anything out of the sea but in particular the raw bar. Crisp and clean stone fruit with some pear, and a lot of personality. This is a great new discovery wine to check out.
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