NEW Cab Franc & More: Michael Corso Selections

04 Mar NEW Cab Franc & More: Michael Corso Selections

Michael Corso learned how to select wines that sing for their supper the old-fashioned way– from the ground up. He started as a retailer in Chicago’s oldest fine wine shop and moved through every conceivable position in wine sales from restaurants to import management.

To the workhorse Bordeaux selections from Michael Corso that we have all come to love we’ve added some of the more offbeat brilliance from the Corso portfolio.

Domaine Camille Braun Rose Cremant d’Alsace, $26.99

Over a hundred years of Alsace tradition, 13 hectares, just over 8,000 cases/year, certified organic and biodynamically farmed

Beautiful pale pink hue. Lively and persistent mousse. Expressive nose of cherries, strawberries and red fruits. The palate is subtle and delicate with fine balance and a round, soft finish.

Jaques Girardin Bourgogne Rouge, $23.99

From 17 hectares in Santennay with 1er Cry sites; sustainably farmed 50 yo vines from the famous Girardin family

Fresh and elegant nose with dark fruit aromas – black and red currants, blackberries, plums. Supple wine, lightly structured, fruity and fresh. Classic Pinot Noir with a touch of Burgundian earthiness in the elegant finish.

Domaine Dozon Clos du Saut au Loup Monopole Chinon (Cabernet Franc), $19.99

Eric Santier purchased the 5 hectare Domaine from Dozon with the help of his mentor, esteemed Chinon producer Bernard Baudry. Sustainable farming in conversion to organic.

Vibrant purple color. Traditional notes of plum skin, raspberries and capsicum abound. Manageable tannins and herbal notes underscore a direct fruitiness.

Chateau Sainte-Eulalie Minervois La Liviniere “La Cantilene” Rouge, $26.99

Long regarded as the finest section of Minervois, La Livinière has now been recognized as an official “Cru de Languedoc” and is entitled to its own appellation. The stony soil of clay and limestone is planted with Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault, with an average age of 25 years. The domaine also includes some century-old Carignan vines and 70 year-old Grenache.  Viticulture is organic and is Certified Sustainable.

Intense garnet color. A dark fruit aromas with toasty notes. Ample palate, full and soft, ripe tannins, layered palate. Ripe, lingering finish. A rich and fleshy wine with an elegant, claret-like balance.

Chateau Armandiere Cahors Malbec Ancestral, $21.99

With its shiny color, this wine has a generous fresh nose with ripe red and black fruit aromas. In the mouth, tannins reveal a smooth texture with notes of spices, blackberries and cherries. Intense and well balanced.