We admit it. We, at Vino, are a lucky bunch. We get to taste wine regularly, interact with knowledgeable customers, and mix free cocktails for the neighborhood. One of our greatest privileges is being able to meet winemakers when they visit New York. Recently, a vigneron from Alsace stopped by and we’re glad he did. His energy was electric, his personality a bit eccentric, and his wines racy and lively. His name is Albert Seltz and we’re now proud to offer his Riesling Reserve 2009.

The affable Albert Seltz crafts some incredible whites out of his Mittelbergheim-based winery in Alsace. Seltz, the 14th generation owner and winemaker, took over from his father in 1980 when he was only 19 years old. Immediately, he reduced the production by two thirds, reduced the yields, and converted to strictly sustainable organic agricultural methods. In the cellar he practices minimal intervention, employing indigenous yeast fermentation (when possible) and sur lie aging.

While the majority of his production is Sylvaner (he was instrumental in the NIAO’s recent decision to allow a Grand Cru Zotzenberg Sylvaner), Seltz makes about 1,200 cases of this zippy, refreshing Riesling. Fermented dry with nary a touch oak, this Riesling displays all the vibrancy one associates with Alsace’s finest.

Albert Seltz Riesling Reserve 2009
$15

For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.

Poor Bordeaux. Seems it gets no respect nowadays. Even the New York Times says it’s lost its cachet with the wine cognoscenti. Balderdash to all that! At Vino, we can’t get enough the old claret. Château La Rame Bordeaux Rouge 2008 provides the perfect counterpoint to those who would argue that Bordeaux has seen better days.

Château La Rame is located in the sub-zone of St. Croix du Mont in Bordeaux, an area that focuses on making sweet botrytized wines that compete with Sauternes which is located just across the Garonne River. However, the area’s best kept secret is that this estate crafts one of Bordeaux’s greatest value reds. That’s because the Armand family which owns the property has spent nearly two generations improving the estate (lowering yields, reducing the amount intervention in the cellar). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot sourced from 45 year old vines, this wine is well-suited for the Autumn; something in the glass reminds us of dried leaves. How else to sum up this well-balanced rouge? Well, it says a lot that the winemaker considers “serenity” an essential quality (you probably won’t hear that from an Aussie winemaker).

Expert and critic Clive Coates has said previous vintages previous vintages of La Rame show “no lack of balance and elegance.” We couldn’t agree more, Clive. Luckily, the same holds true for the shining 2008. Château La Rame we la la love you.

Château La Rame Bordeaux Rouge 2008
$16

For more information please contact 212-725-6516 or info@vinosite.com.