Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

November 2017 Wine Club Selections

• Only one bottle of each wine may be selected

• Some bottles only allowed at 6-bottle membership level

• Please email your selections BEFORE coming in to the store

• A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is at the end of this document

• Bonus Wines: Members get 1st dibs on buying allocated wines

White Wines

2016 Donnafugata "Anthilia" CATARRATTO, Sicily, Italy

4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $15)

Catarratto (great majority), smattering of other indigeous varieties.

Donnafugata means “woman in flight”, taken from a classic Sicilian novel about a queen seeking refuge in

the area of Donnafugata’s vineyards. Anthilia is what the Romans called the

city of Entella (western Sicily). Family owned since 1983, Donnafugata

produces wines from light and fruity wines (such as this one) to big reds, but

Anthilia is their biggest seller. The nose smells a little “sweet” with baking

spices (usually an indicator of oak), but this is a dry unoaked fruit forward wine.

White flowers, lemon, apricot, nutmeg, allspice.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : Enjoy this crisp refreshing white with starters like tomato and basil bruschetta, caesar salad topped with grilled chicken, smoked trout crostini, Italian arancini and tuna carpaccio with capers or with main dishes such as lemony shrimp pasta, spaghetti with zucchini and ricotta, classic eggplant parmesan, mussels au gratin, fresh sushi rolls, frutti di mare risotto and roasted halibut with vegetables. Or simply savor this delightful white with Italian antipasti like marinated mushrooms, prosciutto di parma and Sicilian olives and cheeses such as Caciocavallo, Canestrato and Piacentinu. 2016 Cederberg BUKETTRAUBE, Western Cape, South Africa 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $15) 100% Bukettraube

Bukettraube is a rare variety, with less than 200 acres planted world wide. Cederberg is a 5th generation family owned winery dating back to 1893. Bukettraube is similiar to Gewurztraminer, in that it is highly aromatic and spicy, off-dry (22 grams rs), unoaked. Ripe peach, nectarine, apricot, white flowers. It will be a guilty pleasure at your Thanksgiving table.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : Hold on to the fleeting summer with this delicately floral white enjoyed as an aperitif on the patio or as a partner to slightly spicy foods like Dim Sum, Pad Thai, chicken curry with cayenne pepper, curried butternut squash soup, flash fried calamari with remoulade, smoked chicken salad, crispy crab cakes drizzled with avocado crema and honey-glazed chicken wings. Or simply enjoy this delightful wine with herb-crusted goat cheeses, triple-cream brie or gruyere.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

2016 Argiolas “Costamolino“ VERMENTINO Sardinia, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $17 (member price $15) 100% Vermentino

Sardinia is a sun baked arid island in the Mediterranean, west of Italy, and just south of Corsica. (Flights from Atlanta to Rome often pass over Sardinia.) Argiolas is a family owned winery established in 1938, “Costamolino” refers to the vineyard area. This is the lightest white of this month’s list, perfect for those evenings when you’re taking a break from heartier holiday cuisine. Dry, unoaked, light-bodied wine. Freshly squeezed lemon, grapefruit, nectarine, hints of underbrush & herbs.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : Serve this zesty, food friendly white with classic Italian dishes like linguine in a clammy broth, pasta primavera, grilled calamari with artichokes, fritto misto drizzled with lemon, seabass with fresh salsa verde and asparagus, spaghetti alle vongole, gnocchi with pesto, planked salmon with fava beans and roasted trout with garlic and rosemary. After dinner cleanse your palate with a sip of this crisp white and a plate of Prosciutto-wrapped melons, Buffalo Mozzarella and Pecorino. 2015 Knuttel Family “Kate’s Pas de Deux” CHARDONNAY, Sonoma County, California 4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17) 100% Chardonnay The fruit comes from two organic vineyards (Windsor Oaks in Chalk Hill and Tom Larson in Carneros). Knuttel Family both produces wine and serves as a custom crush facility for a number of micro-wineries. This wine is named for Kate (their daughter / winery business manager), and called “Pas de Deux” because

the wine’s balance makes it dance in your mouth! 690 cases produced from this family winery. Ripe green apple, peach, dried herbs, touch of butter. 11 months french oak (36% new) and lees stirring increase the wine’s body.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : Enjoy this expressive chardonnay with fall favorites like butter-basted corn-bread stuffed Thanksgiving turkey drizzled with gravy over sweet potato mash, butternut squash and gorgonzola risotto, crisp-skinned roast chicken with creamed corn, Southern shrimp and grits, herb-crusted cod over pea puree, crab or lobster mac and cheese, fettuccine with scallops and cream sauce and mini lobster or turkey pot pie. This versatile white also pairs perfectly with a variety of cheeses from Brillat-Savarin and Fontina to baked

Ricotta and creamy Camembert.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

Rose Wine

2016 Alois Lageder DRY ROSE OF LAGREIN, Alto Adige, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $16) 100% Lagrein

This isn’t a copy/paste … we did feature a different Alois Lageder wine in October! Alois Lageder’s ancestors started the family owned winery in 1823, and they’ve been at the present location since 1934. They practice biodynamic viticulture, harness solar energy and geo-thermal heat … a truly sustainable winery. Lagrein is a thin-skinned red grape native to Alto Adige. Dry, unoaked, candied cherry and strawberry, savory herbs, potpourri. More tannin than most roses.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : Don’t be afraid to pair this medium-bodied rose with hearty dishes like seared tuna steak crusted in pink peppercorns, roast chicken with root vegetables, shrimp scampi, smoked salmon with capers, lamb chops and crispy potatoes drizzled with mint pesto, pork loin roast with apples and meatless dishes like pasta tossed with sage pesto, baked vegetable strudel or tomato frittata with arugula salad. Or simply savor this versatile quaffer as an aperitif along with a sliver of Epoisses, Majorero, Pont-L’Eveque, Saint-Nectare or Vacherin. Sparkling Wine nv El Xamfra “Mercat” Brut SPARKLING BLEND, Cava, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $17 (member price $15) 45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel-lo, 15% Parellada

This traditional method sparkler has been a under-the-radar favorite of mine for a few years. High quality bubbles with a moderate price point. What sets it apart for me are the cinnamon notes, which make it a great pairing for holiday food. Dry & crisp, green apple, pear, cinnamon, hazelnut. Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : Why not kick off your Thanksgiving celebration with a little bubbly this year? This food-friendly sparkler will light up your table pairing effortlessly with turkey and all the trimmings including cranberry dressing, as well, as an arugula salad topped with grapes and apples, tuna carpaccio, pasta tossed with grilled shrimp, grilled swordfish drizzled

with salsa verde, traditional backyard barbecue, saucy lamb stew and foods with a little heat such as spicy Asian noodles and chicken burritos. Continue the celebration straight through the cheese course with creamy Cabrales or tangy Roquefort.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

Red Wines

2016 Chateau Peyrassol “La Croix Peyrassol” RED BLEND, Provence, France 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $15) 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Syrah

Chateau Peyrassol’s vineyard was gifted by the Pope to the Knights Templar in the 1200’s. Conspiracy theorists wonder whether it was a transaction to gain their silence (shades of The Da Vinci Code!) After the Templars were arrested in the 1300’s, the land was given to the Knights of Malta, who held it until the French Revolution. Since then, the land has changed hands between several families. Organic wine, aged in stainless steel. Black plum, blackberry, boysenberry, black pepper.

Herbs de Provence Chicken Recipe Serves 5-6

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons olive oil (1) 3-1/2 to 4 Pound, Whole Chicken 1-1/2 Cups Sliced Shallots or red onion 2 Cups sliced peeled carrots 4 Cups Yukon Gold baby potatoes, unpeeled, cut in half or quartered 1-1/2 Teaspoons salt, divided or to taste 1/2 Teaspoon Ground pepper or to taste 2-1/2 teaspoons Herbs de Provence, divided or to taste 1-1/2 Cups Chardonnay or other dry white wine 2 Tablespoons Water1 Bunch Asparagus, washed, broken in bite sized pieces from tip, or 15-20 green beans trimmed and cut To taste Freshly chopped or dried parsley for garnish INSTRUCTIONS

Heat a large covered pot (such as Le Creuset) over medium heat. Add oil and then lightly brown chicken on all sides. Using two very strong large cooking spoons, lift the chicken onto a plate placing it on its back. Put shallots into the pot and sauté for 2-4 minutes or until beginning to be translucent. Add the carrots and sauté 3-5 minutes. Add potatoes and sauté 4-6 minutes. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the salt, all of the pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of the Herbs de Provence over the vegetables. Pour the wine and the water over the vegetables. Place the chicken, on its back on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle chicken with remaining salt and Herbs de Provence. Bring the pot to a boil and reduce to a good simmer. Cook 1 hour covered or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is almost done. For the last 5-9 minutes, add the asparagus or green beans to the pot and finish cooking the chicken. Remove chicken with the same sturdy spoons to a large serving bowl. Place the vegetables and broth around the chicken. Garnish with the parsley.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

2015 Maison Nicolas Perrin SYRAH, France 4 and 6 bottle levels $17 (member price $15) 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier

This wine is made by scions of two of the Rhone’s most famous wine families: Jaboulet and Chateau de Beaucastel. The label reads “Vin de France”, but the fruit comes from family owned vineyards in the Rhone Valley. The Syrah is co-fermented with Viognier, resulting in aromatic floral notes, which soften the blackberry, black currant and nutmeg elements. Half the wine saw six months (used) French oak, the rest in stainless steel. (I have a soft spot for syrah co-fermented with viognier.)

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : This aromatic, elegant wine pairs beautifully with pork chops grilled in sage butter, Moroccan spiced lamb chops over apricot couscous, blue cheese-stuffed burgers smothered with caramelized onions and smoky bacon, traditional fall chili, pulled pork sliders, peppery‐grilled ribeye over creamy truffled potatoes, red wine braised short ribs, classic Cassoulet and venison medallions smothered in a jammy boysenberry sauce. This silky red is also the perfect companion to cheeses like Glouchester, Manchego, smoked Gouda, Ossau-Iraty, Bleu d’Auvergne, Tomme de Savoie or a peppercorn-crusted cheese like Pecorino Pepato. 2016 Domaine Prebende “Anna Asmaquer” GAMAY, Beaujolais, France 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $16) 100% Gamay

This is the lightest red offered this month … Pinot Noir lovers take note. Prebende means “tax”, because their vineyards were owned by the monks (who moonlighted as the tax collectors), and who owned only the best vineyards. Anna Asmaquer was the matriarch of the family, managing both the viticulture and viniculture in the early 20th century. Beaujolais is a cliché for Thanksgiving for good reasons: its high acidity, fruit forward nature and no oak make it a match for traditional holiday food. Ripe strawberry, raspberry, hints of peach and herbs de provence. Imported by Kermit Lynch.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : There’s a reason we celebrate Beaujolais in November- it goes perfectly with Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce! This everyday red is also delightful with picnic foods like tuna or chicken salad, butternut squash soup, spaghetti Bolognese, grilled chicken with seasonal veggies and baked ham with all the trimmings. Or simply sip this red with a grilled cheese panini preferably stuffed with Muenster, Emmental or Morbier, thinly sliced Prosciutto and arugula.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

2014 Tosalet RED BLEND, Priorat, Catalonia, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $19) 50% Garnacha, 35% Carignan, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

As you read this, Catalonia is in the midst of trying to gain their independence from Spain. I don’t have a dog in that fight, other than to hope the region will continue to export high quality wine to the world! Priorat is a amphitheatre shaped appellation on the Mediterranean coast (south of Barcelona), and its llicorella soil (black slate/quartz) absorbs the sun’s rays during the warm growing season, resulting in rich, powerful wines. California wine lovers … this wine is for you! Tosalet gets its fruit from famous vineyards such as Gratallops and Torroja del Priorat, and the vines average over 50 years of age. Fruit forward, juicy blackberry & black currant, blueberries, bittersweet chocolate.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestion : Serve this full-bodied Spanish blend with braised lamb with rosemary and roasted squash, Spanish style rabbit stew (conejo a la cazadora), grilled wild boar sausage polenta, beef stir fry with a cracked black pepper sauce, classic steak au poivre, blueberry-glazed venison loin over wild rice, braised oxtail stew and pot roast with potatoes and carrots. This Spanish gem is also killer with a tray of regional cheeses and accompaniments such as Garrotxa, Zamarano, Cabrales, Idiazabal and Serrano ham, dried Turkish figs and warm Marcona almonds drizzled with truffle oil.

2015 Gran Pasas MONASTRELL, Jumilla, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $15) 100% Monastrell

Monastrell (or Mourvedre as the French would call it) is a thick skinned grape that often provides some ooph to Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhone. Jumilla is a warm area of Spain, and in this case, the grapes are harvested in early November, allowing for maximum ripening and raisination. Maceration on the skins for 15 days, then 6 months of French oak give it a big bold flavor profile. This wine is off-dry, containing 14.5 grams of residual sugar. Juicy blackberry, dark chocolate covered black cherry, dried herbs. Similar in flavor/body to Verso Rosso (an August selection).

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions : Pair this luscious Spaniard with wild boar ragout tagliatelle, rabbit cacciatore, spaghetti piled high with meatballs and shaved Pecorino, bison burgers smothered with blue cheese, perfectly seared duck breast with blackberry port reduction, sticky barbecue ribs, pulled chicken barbecue tossed with Alabama white sauce, Mozzarella and herb stuffed eggplant, herbed pork roast with root vegetables, or lamb and pea stew. This rich red loves aged cheeses and cured meats too. Try a glass with a sliver of Pecorino, Manchego, Piacentino, and thinly sliced Iberico or Serrano ham.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

2014 Pecchenino “San Luigi” DOLCETTO DI DOGLIANI, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $19 (member price $17) 100% Dolcetto

Dolcetto has the reputation of “the Beaujolais of Italy”, because it’s a thin-skinned variety than can produce light bodied, fruit forward wines. Most Dolcetto comes from elsewhere in Piedmont, but I’ve noticed that the bolder earthier flavored Dolcetto’s almost always come from Dogliani fruit. It may be because the average temperature is a little cooler, it may be because Dogliani has focused its attention on Dolcetto, whereas in other areas, Dolcetto competes with Nebbiolo, Barbera, etc. Dry, medium-bodied, unoaked. Tart black cherry, boysenberry, violet, dusty earth. Long maceration of skins gives it plenty of fruit tannins.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions : Enjoy this food friendly red often with Spanish Paella, four cheese manicotti, hearty lasagna, flatbread topped with smoked ham and Fontina, creamy herbed sausage risotto, braised lamb over sage polenta, classic chicken and fettucine Alfredo, mushroom ravioli drizzled with truffle oil and herb crusted pork loin with root veggies. After dinner enjoy another glass of this everyday red with just about any cheese from Cheddar and Colby Jack to Double Glouchester, St André and Zamarano. 2015 Jax Vineyards “Y3” PINOT NOIR, Russian River Valley, California 6 bottle level $32 (member price $24)

Kirk Venge (son of the famed Nils Venge) is the winemaker. It’s a single vineyard (Dutton Ranch) wine. Jax is a reference to the family’s last name (Jackson – not to be confused with K.J.) Y3 is in honor of the cattle brand used by their granparents on their ranch. Russian River Pinot Noirs can be rich and opulent, but Y3 is an outlier. Balanced and supple, tasting more like Oregon than California. Red cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, dried thyme, turned earth. 1200 cases produced of this unfined, unfiltered wine.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions : This smooth and juicy pinot is a must-have fall holiday accessory that’s guaranteed to be the life of your dinner party! Enjoy it with succulent duck l’orange, grilled pork tenderloin with caramelized onions and sauteed onions, roast chicken beurre rouge with roasted baby carrots, classic lasagna bolognese, herb-crusted turkey with roasted butternut squash, seared duck breast with a cranberry port reduction, braised pork and root vegetables and grilled steaks over mushroom risotto. For an after dinner treat enjoy another glass with your favorite cheese plate. This versatile red goes with everything from Point Reyes Blue, San Andreas or Humboldt Fog to Edam, Gouda and Gruyere.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

2014 St. Supery CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Napa Valley, California

6 bottle level $35 (member price $26)

81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

The great majority of the fruit is sourced from the Dollarhide Vineyards (Pope Valley –

northeast mountains of Napa Valley). The Dollarhide Vineyard is divided into about 100

blocks. stsupery.com/our-story/our-vineyards/dollarhide-map (cool interactive map)

2014 was the last vintage produced by the Skalli family, who sold it to a larger wine

company in 2015. This wine sees 19 months french oak (33% new). Black plum,

blackberry, mocha, wood smoke, baking spices. It is not a in-your-face wine, because it’s

only 81% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions : Enjoy this classic cabernet with pappardelle bolognese, grilled flat iron steak with heirloom tomatoes and toasted spice vinaigrette, dry aged beef sliders with garlic onion compote and melted Fontina, braised short ribs over creamy mascarpone polenta, herb crusted lamb chops with truffle smashed potatoes and porcini mushroom sauce, wood fired flatbread with grilled ribeye, crispy bacon lardons and caramelized onions and grilled filet with port mushroom sauce and sundried tomato couscous. Vegetarians can also delight in this masculine red with classic macaroni and cheese, crispy onion croquettes, goat cheese and red onion tart, poached mushrooms with burrata and saucy eggplant parmesan. And don’t forget the cheese plate! Savor this red with burrata drizzled with walnut pesto, goat cheese crostini topped with bacon crumbles and tangy Roquefort.

**BONUS WINES CATALOGUE**

Buy these exclusive items outside of your monthly membership.

This month, we’re offering three French wines perfect for holiday entertaining. The first is a tasty value-

priced quaffer; flip the page to see the second and third, which are famous luxury wines offered at deep

discounts to members.

nv Maison L. Tramier & Fils PINOT NOIR, Burgundy, France $15 (member price $12) 100% Pinot Noir Family owned since 1842, Tramier & Fils is based in Mercurey (known for some of the highest quality red Burgundy outside of the Cote d’Or). This is a non-vintage wine, but I’m told that almost all the grapes are 2016, with a small percentage of 2015. The grapes are declassified Mercurey, but are sold at the lower Bourgogne price ! This is not a complex wine with layers of flavor, rather a wine to purchase in quantity for casual entertaining and/or Tuesday nights. Light-bodied, unoaked. Strawberry, tart red cherry, forest floor.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

2014 Paul Jaboulet Aine “Domaine des Grands Amandiers” VIOGNIER, Condrieu, Northern Rhone, France $110 (member price $65) 100% Viognier Very limited quantity ! Wines from Condrieu are known for being some of the richest dry white wines of the world. Terms like “unctuous” and “lush” are frequent descriptors. Grands Amandiers’ acidity cuts through some of the lushness, making it lighter and crisper than many other wines from Condrieu. Robert Parker said it best: I loved the 2014 Condrieu Domaine des Grands Amandiers. This fresh, elegant Condrieu offers a classic floral character in addition to lots of citrus, tangerine and peach aromatics, medium richness and beautiful length. 93 points. Imported by Michael Skurnik. 2012 Mousse Fils “Special Club” SPARKLING ROSE OF PINOT MEUNIER, Champagne, France (Lieu Dit : Les Bouts de la Ville, Cuisles, Vallee de la Marne) $140 (member price $85) 100% Pinot Meunier Very limited quantity ! “Special Club” is a designation used by producers of grower champagnes to indicate their best wine. Before it can be called a Special Club, it has to be approved by a board of their peers, then it’s sold in a shorter bottle with a thicker base. This is the only 100% Pinot Meunier Rose Special Club. Single vineyard, with a unique soil of schist under clay. Not a wine for casual sipping; this is meant to be served with food. Please promise me that you won’t pour this into flutes … get out your biggest Burgundy glasses and swirl! Terry Theise’s tasting note: It has the saignée phenolic brace; assertive red fruit, very dry and masculine, dictatorial even. Teensy production. A kind of spiciness that made me think of Sicily. Imported by Michael Skurnik. The bottle on the left is one of Mousse Fils’ regular champagnes. The bottle on the right is their Special Club – note the shorter bottle. (All grower Special Club champagnes use the same bottle, regardless of producer.)

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

______________________________________________________________________

THE VINO VENUE WINE CLUB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between the 4 and 6 bottle Club Levels? The 6 bottle level provides Vino Venue 50% more “purchasing power” than the 4 bottle level each month, therefore, the 6 bottle level will include wines that retail as much as $50 or more. The 6 bottle level also includes more free tastings each year. However, both levels are amazing values, as you will see.

2. Can I choose any wines listed in the document? Yes; as long as you stay within the parameters of your membership, i.e. if you are a 4-bottle member, you may only select four bottles listed as “4 and 6 bottle members.” However, you can always purchase additional bottles, 6-bottle level or otherwise, as your member price.

3. When am I notified of the selections? Around the 1st of each month you will receive this document, listing your selections, via email.

4. Can I choose more than one bottle of each type of wine? No; in order for the economics to work on this low margin program, only one bottle of each type is allowed. However, you can always purchase additional bottles at your member rate anytime.

5. When do you need my selections back?

We love to know about your selections asap. Please realize that some of the wines are in very short supply (hidden gems usually are) and if you wait too long you may miss out on them.

6. When can I pick up the wine? When the document is emailed to you to make your selections, you will also be provided a “ready date” within that email. In general, the wines are ready for pick-up the Friday of week 1 within a given month.

7. Can I authorize someone else to pick up my wine?

Yes

8. What day of the month is my Credit Card charged? The 1st day of each month; the charge will come through as VV Dunwoody LLC or Vino Venue

9. How do BONUS wines work exactly?

Special wines, for which we receive either an allocation or an incredible cost basis, are offered to Club Members at discounts which have been over 50% OFF. These selections are outside of your monthly allotment, and paid for when you pick up your wines.

Copyright© Vino Venue 2017

Here is a helpful hint on how one of your members uses her Club Membership:

“Attached is a picture of my January wine all ready to go into my wine cooler!! It really is a great 5 minute fix to know where I got a bottle of wine or what it will taste like!!” ~ Mary Ann