#cheeseparty

Rare-pairs that I love and are canon in my next gen au part 3

(part 2 here)

THURSDAY NIGHT TASTING 6-8PM

Join us and Piper from Bowler Wine from 6-8 tonight for some truly remarkable wines... we've got off-the-charts whimsy and incredible value, you really don't want to miss this one. Killer tunes, cheese from Eastern District, and She-Wolf bread are also on the menu! Bring your friends or meet a date. 

BUCHEGGER 2017 ROSÉ TERRASSEN, KREMSTAL, AUSTRIA

Dandelion has carried this Austrian rosé made by 6th generation winemaker Walter Buchegger for several summer seasons now. It's a beautifully balanced blend of Pinot Noir, Zweigelt and Merlot. The 2017 is open at my house right now (drank it with carrot curry soup!) and I can tell you it's wonderfully soft and creamy with bright but subtle notes of strawberry, peach and grapefruit. An easy breezy wine that I can't imagine anyone not loving. Certainly one to think about buying a case of for all the warm weather parties coming your way. $15! ($13.50/bottle with case discount)

FRENCHTOWN FARMS 2016 "THE PEARL THIEF", CALIFORNIA

THIS WINE! Besides the great bunny label (it's actually named after "the wild hares that pilfer the grapes overnight on Slope 23"), this wine is the color of a creamsicle, the prettiest shade of pale orange. It also smells like a creamsicle, and it tastes like a creamsicle (not as sweet). I know what you're thinking, "I don't want my wine to taste like a creamsicle!" But you do. Just this once. 60% Viognier and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, others get notes of apricot, herbs, wax, melon, lemon... It's delicious and it's a tiny production made by our friends atFrenchtown Farms in the cellar of our other friends at Clos Saron. Come and experience this whimsical wine from North Yuba tonight, it won't be around for long. $35

TERRES DORÉES 2015 FLEURIE, FRANCE

Dinner at FAUN on Vanderbilt this past fall happily reminded us of Jean-Paul Brun's Fleurie. A Cru Beaujolais that is as generous as you'd want it to be but not over the top as some other 2015s can be... perhaps it's Jean-Paul's almost 40 years of experience making wine. He makes wine naturally, though not because of any current trends but because he is "deeply committed to purity of expression of fruit and site". Come taste this wonderful expression of Gamay from Fleurie. Drink it with anything from borscht to spiedinis, it'll dance with just about anyone. $27

CHÂTEAU COMBEL LA SERRE 2016 CAHORS LE PUR FRUIT DU CAUSSE, FRANCE

THURSDAY NIGHT TASTING 6-8PM:  OUR FRIEND ANTHONY POURS ITALY

The holidays are all about tradition and one of our favorite traditions here at Dandelion is having our friend Anthony come and pour his wines just before Christmas next to the biggest poinsettia he can find and it gets bigger every year! Tonight he will be pouring a few new red wines from Italy and our favorite Prosecco. Come celebrate the holidays with us and see the biggest poinsettia you've ever seen, no joke, it's bigger than our tree. Plus delicious cheese and She-Wolf bread.

SANFELETTO PROSECCO SUPERIORE D.O.C.G. EXTRA DRY

If there was ever a time for bubbles, it's now. Holidays are a time to toast the things we are most grateful for. Like Nick and Nora above, surround yourself with family and friends and colleagues and toast to the good stuff. We have Sanfeletto Prosecco in both the standard 750ml size bottles and Magnums for large gatherings. Nothing says "CELEBRATE" like a Magnum of bubbly. $17/$38

"A true grower prosecco. This DOCG Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry comes from the ridge between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano. Hand-harvested and estate-grown fruit. Minimal use of sulfites, natural fertilizers used. Aromas of green apple, white flowers, wisteria. Good structure, the body is medium, with flavors of apples most predominant as well as peach. Fine acidity, this pairs well with appetizers, light meat dishes, seafood and can even stretch to dessert. The Ceschin family has owned this estate since the beginning of the 20th century. This micro producer makes about 150k bottles per year and is scrupulous about the consistency and quality of his wines."

IL COLOMBAIO CONTESSA AVA CHIANTI 2015

The little Chianti that could. It was love at first sip for us. Elegantly expressive and perfectly balanced. Delicate red fruit and violets a pleasant and smooth finish with a price tag of $14 makes this wine a perfect candidate to buy by the case to have around for all your holiday needs. Unexpected visitors, last-minute gifts, and extra-long dinners requires wine on hand. With a case discount, Contessa Chianti will only cost you $12.60/bottle! Stock up. $14

"Il Colombaio is an historic Tuscan property located near Montereggioni in the province of Siena. The property has historical records dating back to the 1800′s and in 1897 was awarded an honor for its wine. An organic practicing farm, the soils are the famous Chianti "galestro’.  Galestro is the Italian name for a special soil comprised of loose marl and limestone.  The vineyards sit on 15 hectares with the rest of the 70 hectares being planted with many olive trees. "Contessa Ava" 100% Sangiovese, is decidedly innovative, thanks to a particular maceration process that extracts the unmistakable fruity aroma, guaranteeing an extraordinarily smooth taste and volume."

BRICCO MAIOLICA BARBERA D'ALBA 2014

Dare I say "old-school" Barbera? A very pretty ruby red and a very juicy wine with currants, blueberries, black cherries, red cherries, plums, and mulberries... It's like a festive fruit basket full of berries but better because it's wine. The velvety texture and juicy character make this a great bottle to drink with or without food. Perhaps predictable, but pizza or a cheese board with salami and olives come to mind. Entertaining doesn't have to be complicated. But it does require wine! Easy pleasy at $18

BRICCO MAIOLICA NEBBIOLO D'ALBA 'CUMOT' 2012