🍷 NWR Weekly: Shimmering Chards, Cult California Bubbles and 25 American Single Malts to Know

A UNICORN WINE AND ITS MAKER

When Michael Cruse set out to create Ultramarine, he “wanted an older take on California wine―what California used to do before the Judgment of Paris.” The result? “Pure California alchemy.” Senior Editor Virginie Boone has the story of these sparkling stunners and the man behind the wine. 

GIVE CHARD A CHANCE

More out of California: a quick spin through 16 Northern California Chardonnays, most of which are sensational.“Chardonnay,” says Virginie, “is a less vintage-dependent grape than other common Northern California varieties like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, which are more prone to displaying the heat (or lack of it) in a given year. It’s both heartier to the changing conditions of a growing season and often picked earlier than its red friends. Still, like with Pinot and Cabernet, the 2019 and 2021 vintages are extraordinary for Chardonnay.

DRINK LIKE A VENETIAN

August might not be the best time to visit Venice, but it’s a great time to bring the great Venetian tradition of an afternoon aperitivo into your life.  

Katie Parla, in an excerpt from her new book, Food of the Italian Islands, has the right drink for the occasion—a Select Spritz: “Mix three parts Prosecco, two parts Select, and one part sparkling water in a wine glass. Top up with ice and garnish with a big green olive.” 

She’s also got tips on quick-and-easy cicchetti (“small bites”) to round out your Venetian happy hour.

WONDERFUL WORDS ON WINE

Want a rewarding way to spend 15 minutes? Situate yourself with a glass of something interesting and take a quiet moment with this collection of three delightful poems about wine. 

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN (SINGLE MALT)

Susannah Skiver Barton’s tasting brief on American Single Malts provides an intelligent look at a category about to take off. If you’re not familiar, now’s a great time to get on board: “output volumes and limited distribution keep ASM fairly niche, but the recent entry of two of the nation’s biggest whiskey names—Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam—may just blow the category wide open.”

95+ POINT REDS FOR UNDER $50?

Our recent California and Bordeaux tastings have unearthed some fabulous red wines that punch well above their price points. Among those scoring 95+ points to be had for under $50:

• Château Gloria 2022 Saint Julien Grand Cru Classé

• Château Latour-Martillac 2022 Pessac-Léognan Rouge Cru Classé de Graves

• Coil Mendocino Ridge 2019 Signal Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir

WHAT WE’RE DRINKING AND LIKING RIGHT NOW

🧬Virginie drank a beautifully textured 2021 Fontanasanta Nosiola at a biodynamic masterclass.

🤑  Gray had a gorgeous Hugues de Coulmet Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne at NYC’s Corkbuzz, where all Champagne served is at retail price(!)

🐟  Becca got reacquainted with an old friend from her wine serving days, a Joey Tensley Chardonnay.

🍬  Christy’s been indulging in 2018 white Burgundies like the Méo-Camuzet Frère & Soeurs Ladoix Blanc and the Bernard Moreau Bourgogne Blanc.

VALUES, BARGAINS AND FINDS*

• A luscious natural Riesling from Rheinhessen for $30.

• A Greek Assyrtiko made from wine presses built in the Bronze Age for $17.

• An “Ancient Vine” red blend from Cline for $15.

*NWR is not compensated for the links in this section

AROUND THE WINE (AND WHISKEY) WORLD

🍇  Does wine taste better on vacation?

🏰   Founder Dave Phinney of The Prisoner wine is on a whiskey journey.

📈   American wines are the booziest in the world, by at least one measure. But why?

Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Santé!

The NWR Editors

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