Domaine Philippe Tessier Phil’en Bulle NV 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

“Phil’en Bulle” is quite a wise intro to petillants-naturel – just funky enough and yet so fresh, bright, and a little earthy… Meant for freshness and to add a little fizzy fun to a meal, it’s a perfect apertif wine. A blend of Romorantin and Menu Pineau, an energetic dose of wildflowers and tropical fruits zip along the tongue with a mineral-laden, slightly savory edge. Serve chilled but not too cold; this is a great wine for dinner parties or potlucks, as it shifts magically to complement most any flavor. – Tyler… Read the rest

Scarpa ‘RossoScarpa’ Monferrato Rosso, Piedmont 2010 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

The Scarpa estate has existed since 1854 and, across the ensuing 162 years, has been owned by five different families who have each helped shape the label’s destiny. Through the 60’s and 70’s, Mario Pesce worked hard to establish the name as a world-class winery; time spent studying in Alsace and Burgundy brought about an experimental approach to winemaking which he retrofitted onto the existing Italian traditions at home in Monferrato. Across Piedmont, Scarpa became a known and respected name, earning the respect of such legends as Bruno Giacosa and Angelo Gaja.

This 90-10 blend of Dolcetto and Ruche is rendered in stainless steel and left to age in bottle.… Read the rest

Domaine Philippe Tessier Cheverny Rouge, Loire 2015 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

With Phillippe’s Cheverny Rouge, it’s all about texture and energy. This blend of Gamay, Pinot and Cot presents wild red fruit along with an edgier, earth-and-spice-tinged finish.  The Gamay sees two weeks of carbonic maceration, which gives the wine a livlier feel on the palate. The Pinot is 30% destemmed and the Cot is completely destemmed. All is fermented seperately prior to determining the finished 60/30/10. Minimal manipulation and maximum fun!Cheverny is all about value and charm, and Msr. Tessier is perhaps its finest steward. – Tyler… Read the rest

The Côte de Beaune hardly hosts a better-known name than de Montille. It’s as if the family of archetypical Burgundian vignerons arose from the earth of Volnay centuries ago. The late Hubert de Montille helped make the domaine famous for its classic style of age-worthy Burgundy, but now his son and daughter make the wines. Low yields and partial whole-cluster fermentation remain the norm, but the modern de Montille reds have softer tannins, are more aromatic, and they don’t require as much cellar time as before. Few other wines from Beaune, Pommard, and Volnay speak of their terroir and of Burgundian culture like de Montille wines do. The 2007 Greves will drink nicely now, while the 2009’s could be decanted today or kept in cellar another handful of years.… Read the rest