Photographs by Joe Ferraro
Unique Vintages As the spring crocuses begin their intrepid rise, stop by the shop to learn the stories behind these unique small-production wines. 2016 Bruale Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane (Kakheti, Georgia) + Alex Motserelia crafts an amber wine made with indigenous varietals Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, aged in traditional qvevri with affable tannins, a hint of ginger, and orange spice. Distributed by Georgian Toast. 2016 Casale Certosa Malvasia Puntinata ‘Convenio’ (Lazio, Italy) + Brothers Antonio and Fausto create a deep, tropical, savory mystery with white varietal Malvasia Puntinata. Anything but ordinary. Distributed by Mucci Imports. 2014 Domaine du Possible ‘L’eau à la Bouche’ (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) + Loïc Roure’s mouthful of spring, a slightly spritzed “mouthwatering” blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan. Distributed by Martignetti Wines. 2014 Bloomer Creek Vineyard Cabernet Franc (New York, USA) + Kim Engle and Debra Bermingham create a wine at once luscious and lithe, an amalgam of raspberries, cranberries, and thyme. Distributed by Olmstead Wines. 2016 David & Nadia Sadie Pinotage ‘Siebritskloof’ (Swartland, South Africa) + David and Nadia offer an elegant expression of Pinotage, a varietal cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Rustic, aromatic, and an ode to Cru Beaujolais. Distributed by The Wine Trust. thecheeseshopofsalem.com