~ City Wine ~ 347 South Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80246 Phone: 303-393-7576 ~ Fax: 303-393-1725 March 2010 City Wine's new e-letter design. This month we feature two mixed case selections. www.citywine.com Thank you for considering the mixed case selection from City Wine. Celebrating fifteen years of quenching Denver's thirst for terrific wines and great service, at little prices. Our regular mixed case stays at $119.88. *****WHITES***** 2008 CASTELVERO CORTESE - $10.99 The grand old grape of Gavi in Piedmonte, Italy. This light and lively mineral and soft fruit driven wine sees no onerous oak but instead relies on its freshness for interest (that's a good thing) AFFINITY: Let's go with a shrimp cocktail with a squeeze of lemon (no sauce) 2008 THE RUINS - $12.99 This is a blend of Chardonnay, Verdelho and Viognier from South Africa. Shows citrus, lime and peach flavors with a soft fresh mouth feel. AFFINITY: Both feet up, remote in one hand, glass in the other. 2007 GROTTE GRECO DI TUFO - $13.99 History, you want history? This quote about Greco was found on a fresco in Pompeii, Italy dating all the way back to the first century BC. "You are truly cold, Bytis made of ice, if last night not even Greco wine could warm you up." What can we add to that? AFFINITY: Read the quote. 2008 MURPHY GOODE CHARDONNAY - $14.99 Sometimes we loose sight of the "basics" and it's good to remember. Here is an example of a wine popular in the 80's and it still has the charm to appeal today. It is like a melody of butter and apples. AFFINITY: New England Clam Chowder 2008 ALTOSUR SAUVIGNON BLANC- $9.99 You know this is one of those very comfortable little whites that gives pleasure without guilt. Classic sauvignon blanc flavors, refreshing with a pleasing and vibrant finish. Just nice. AFFINITY: A wide variety of uses, with light seafood coming to mind. STAFF PICK WHITE - Something from our twisted minds. *****REDS***** 2008 SILVIO GRASSO DOLCETTO D ALBA- $13.99 We are pleased to be able to offer you this dolcetto from the celebrated producer Silvio Grasso. Dolcetto is the "darling' of Northern Italy and is appreciated young (as opposed to Nebbiolo). AFFINITY: A nice thin crust pizza. 2007 TERRAS DE XISTO - $9.99 Your pronunciation is as good as ours! Portuguese so that means hearty pruney and full of great aromas of dark fruits and rich flavors. AFFINITY; Wild Boar? (Kidding.) How about locally farmed buffalo steaks. 2007 GARFIELD CABERNET FRANC- $15.99 You may remember the Sauvignon Blanc we featured some time ago from this Grand Valley winery, well their talents don't stop at white wine. Here they have fashioned a lovely red from the workhorse grape of the Loire Valley reds. Nice texture. AFFINITY; braised short ribs marinated in a sauce of cabernet franc. 2008 TORRES CARMENERE- $11.99 Originally from Italy, Carmenere has found a home in Chile. Is this Chiles answer to Malbec? Briar patch aromas and a solid core of tannin/fruit make this a neat discovery. AFFINITY: Imagine a cross between Sangiovese and Cabernet and there you go. 2008 ENGURA PELTA - $10.99 A Tempranillo and Monastrell blend from Spain. An earthy and focused style that will remind you of a pair of comfortable shoes. A cherry and berry compote, with a touch of tannins for grip and a splash of acidity. AFFINITY: this red has a particular connection to lamb dishes. STAFF PICK RED - A thought provoking wine of our chosing. The E-Ticket Mixed Case! (Under 30? Ask your parents about the E-Ticket Rides!) An Unusually Interesting and Thrilling Experience. The E ticket is $179.88 for the case or $14.99 a bottle after discount. You may mix and match any of the wines below with our traditional mixed case and enjoy the 20% discount. *****WHITES***** 2008 DOMAINE DE LA CADETTE $16.99 In the area near Chablis and not far from the Cathedral of Vezelay, rallying point for the crusades (gotta love that history!) There is produced this lovely bright Chardonnay with just a kiss of oak and a vibrancy akin to Chablis. Organic. AFFINITY: Mussels Sailor style (steamed with some minced garlic, white wine, and butter). 2007 MEYER FONNE GEWURZTRAMINER $19.99 If you tried the Pinot Gris from last month you already know why he's been called the best. Here is a pinpoint precise GT. A lovely lilt of citrus and floral aromas and dry yet not. Special stuff. AFFINITY: Vietnamese, and/or exotic spices. A bowl of Pho. 2008 ROMBAUER CHARDONNAY $34.99 Rombauer Chardonnay in the mixed case? How about that for breaking the mold? If you don't know the wine, probably nothing I say will help and if you do, well come and get it. AFFINITY: Good friends 2007 GESSAMI GRAMONA $16.99 Here we have an exotic wine from an exotic locale, Penedes Spain overlooking the Mediterranean sea steeped in history and culinary adventure. The wine has an aroma of spring flowers splashed with lime. Honestly if this doesn't put a smile on your face you have a hard heart indeed. AFFINITY: Ceviche or whatever Vietnamese you didn't have with the Meyer Fonne. 2007 CHAMPALOU VOUVRAY SEC $16.99 Sec means dry but not austere. This is a wonderfully alluring wine of apples and pears brushed with a hint of clover honey. Produced by a charming couple Catherine and Didier. AFFINITY: Curries, all kinds and crab, crab, crab STAFF PICK WHITE - Something chosen especially just for you, conjured from our imagination and eclectic inventory. *****REDS***** 2007 BELLE PENTE PINOT NOIR $19.99 Willamette Valley, from a "delicate" vintage and that is why we like it. Appears unfiltered and commands a sweet cherry nose infused with spice and a little earth. Classy. AFFINITY: this is your red wine for fish, especially salmon. 2008 CHATEAU LAROQUE MOURVEDRE $18.99 The grape that launched a thousand ships (from the port of Bandol). This wine defines Provence. Leathery, herb, garrigue, spice. Fascinating stuff from what remains of an elenveth century monastery. AFFINITY: The boldest of stews, roasts and grills. (Or put away for a few years to gain a inexpensive treat. 2007 SIERRA CANTABRIA RIOJA $14.99 We like Tempranillo as much as the next person but particularly if it shows a refined side. Here we have that polished cedar and herb with a dark cherry layer. Bold yet supple tannins, adding texture in the mouth. AFFINITY: Tangine or slow cooked dishes. 2008 FINCA EL ORIGIN MALBEC $15.99 The boldest Malbec we have tasted in some time. An Argentinean statement! There is cassis and a rather vibrant blueberry note in the core. AFFINITY: Shanahans Steakhouse tells us that Malbec is their #1 selling wine. 2007 RIPA DELLE MANDORLE $22.99 It is a rare Super Tuscan that comes in at this price. All Sangiovese cachet, buttressed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Italian style with dark fruits and a spice box of aromas. A great value for the money. AFFINITY: Osso Bucco. STAFF PICK RED - Something perfect to go with your favorite recipe.