Arsène Lupin is a fictional gentleman thief and master of disguise created
in 1905 by French writer Maurice LeBlanc. He was originally called Arsène Lopin, until a local politician of the same name protested. The character was first introduced in a series of short stories serialized in the magazine Je said tout. The first story, "The Arrest of Arsène Lupin", was published on 15 July 1905.
Lupin was featured in 17 novels and 39 novellas by Maurice Leblanc, with the novellas or short stories collected into book form for a total of 24 books.

The Read it With Wine?
Clearly, an intellectual bottle that steals your heart
and is tres Francias: Corbières!

Carignan from Corbières, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.
A sustained and very brilliant ruby colour with beautiful violet tints.
Immediate and generous with, at first, notes of fresh red fruits, such as cherries
and black fruits and blueberries. Next, the richness develops with notes
of cacao powder and a delicate touch of liquorice. Round and concentrated entrance with a balanced structure in the mouth, the tannins are delicate and the acidity luscious. Everything showcases the fruit, which follows up with a long finish.

Kermit Lynch Import and Brett's Pick

*** $17.99 ***

https://www.cnn.com/videos/travel/2020/12/18/
stanley-tucci-searching-for-italy-sneak-peek.cnn
Perfect Watch it With Wine and...
*** WiNTER WHiTE ALERT
Virgiliovignato Gambellara Classico 2016
100% Gargenaga 13 ALC 13 

Fermentation and aging in stainless steel. Straw yellow color, golden reflections. Scents of apple, cedar, white melon and white acacia flowers. Rich and intense
on the palate, mineral and fresh with characteristic notes of flints.

Popular throughout Europe. Not widely distributed in country. 
Don't believe me? Confirm here: 
https://www.winesearcher.com/find/virgilio+vigneto+capitel+vicenzi
+gambellara+veneto+italy/2016/usa-nc-y/-
*** Take a trip to Italy with Stanley Tucci ***

for $17.99 
(Make it really real with out pasta, red sauce and fig spread!)

YOU DONE GOOD!
Now celebrate with a soil driven wine!
Vallot Cotes du Rhone 2019

Winemaker Anais Vallot and her father Francois

Anaïs leads off her production with an incredibly fresh, friendly (read: gulp-able!)
Côtes-du-Rhône red, which is a field blend of six grapes all picked and vinified
together from the plots surrounding the winery. The vines are an average age
of 40 years old, planted in activated calcareous limestone soil. The field blend
consists of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, clairette, and bourboulenc,
with fermentation  and aging in traditional cement vats.

Not Widely Available: $17.99

Cancel Travel? Rebook Travel? Travel Vicariously?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/16/travel/virus-travel-cancellations-refunds.html

Stay tuned to our Newsletter, we are planning Zoom Trips now.
And Ciao Asheville has a Zoom Trip to Umbria in the works!

Meanwhile, think Bordeaux!
Explore the City of Wine Online: https://www.laciteduvin.com/en
With a Bottle of DeCranne Bordeaux Rouge

A deep purplish red color with flashes of plum revealing an impressive depth.
Aromas of wild fruit including blackcurrant and blackberry with Mediterranean density. Working tannins. Their softness is offset by a slight tang keeping the palate engaged! The finish is seemingly endless with hints of laurel, black pepper and camphor.
After a few minutes, the tasting gains in warmth highlighting smoky Provence herbs.

Vivino says $18.96

*** MetroWines says $14.99 ***

This wine is the door to a new wine experience. Sure, like a dingy old brown door, because you don't know the name of the winery or the varietal, in this case, GRIGNOLINO, you walk by it. You are missing out.

Try it. Be the one who knows!

*** Washington Post Says ***
"Grignolino is the type of cheap wine you find in a roadside trattoria during your Italian vacation that makes you wonder, “Why can’t we get this at home?” Grignolino may not be considered a serious wine, but the folks at Da Capo take it seriously and bring us this delightful bottling that just might transport you back to that Italian sojourn, at least in memory. Bright red fruit flavors and a laser beam of stony minerality give this wine energy and clarity of flavor. Like a tuning fork on a perfect high C."

Vivino Says $21.99 
** MetroWines Says: $21 **

Need Another Reason to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone?
BBC says research establishes that embracing change betters your life!
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200930-why-
embracing-change-is-the-key-to-a-good-life
Grignolino is a good place to start!

Cocktails Anyone?

New York Times says a "Bamboo Shot" is the way forward!
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/28/dining/drinks/shots-new-years-eve.html

• 3 ½ ounces fino or manzanilla sherry
• 3 ½ ounces dry or bianco vermouth
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• 2 orange peels
• 2 lemon peels
•  Very small pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
•  Ice
•  Big green olives, such as Castelvetrano, for serving

When in Rome...

https://www.malaprops.com/book/9781984822321
An epic, exquisitely photographed road trip through the Italian countryside, exploring the ancient traditions, master artisans, and over 80 storied recipes
that built the iconic cuisine of Rome.

The Wine? You might think Tuscany. Close but no sigaro!
Rome is actually in the Lazio Wine Region of Italy. Wine Folly says:
Even though Rome has a history of winemaking since before the Romans,
Lazio (or Latium, as it’s also called), has more recently been considered
the doldrums of wine. During the last century, the major grapes, including Trebbiano and Malvasia, were overcropped to produce boring, sweet white wines. 
That is, until recently! The region has been abuzz with investments and passions
of individuals devoted to quality and indigenous grapes such as Cesanese.
The volcanic soils definitely play into increased complexity of Lazio’s wines.
Wine Reviewers like Tre Bicchieri are noticing!

 Lazio Wines are not easy to find in country.
But we did! We found a Cesanese Blend
and we are the ONLY shop in Asheville!
and almost anywhere!
Castello di Torre in Pietra 2018 

Intense ruby red colour. The nose is fine and persistent, fruity, ripe red and spicy.
You can also recognize plum jam, cherries in alcohol, herbs and blond tobacco.
Soft on the palate at first turning full on, quite fresh, with silky tannins
and persistent finish with fruity-spicy notes. 

** Be the ONLY one! $19.99 **

(Personal Note: I love this wine! And not just because 
it is Italian. For the record, I object to those who contend
I am partial to Italian Wines!)

Lettie Teague writes that retailers, for different reasons, often use the word "baby" before wines known to be costly such as Brunello, Barolo, Bordeaux or Sancere. 
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-retailers-are-pushing-baby-wines-11609419003

We do too sometimes. John calls Poggio Apricale a "Baby Brunello." Why?
"In this case, Apricale is made by the same winemaker who makes the Brunello
for the winery, the vineyard is adjacent to the grapes used for the Brunello
and the vines are from the same clones."

Poggio Apricale. 85% Sangiovese Grosso, 10% Merlot and 5% Colorino.
The wine has a bright ruby red color and aromas to match. This fresh and young red wine is delicous now but will develop more complexity with a few years in the cellar. Brimming with notes of cherry, raspberry and black fruit, incorporating notes of smoky sage, terra cotta earthiness and soft, leathery tannins.

$19.99! Oh Baby!

*** Big RED of the Week ***
Some Things ever Change!

A unique Red Blend aged in Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrels.
A full bodied blend of Monastrell and Syrah from Jumilla, Spain, presents black berry
and blueberry on the nose and the addition of a hint of vanilla and Bourbon on palate.
Long, rich and complex finish. While not necessarily new, suddenly,
everybody's talking about Bourbon Barrel Blends. Customer Request!
Label by acclaimed avantgarde artist, James Jean
http://www.jamesjean.com

$21 
Already on Re-order. Available Tuesday!

Zanzibar Pizza

As you can see from the sign, the literal melting pot Zanzibar Pizza
can include anything from cheese to Nutella, oh yeah, that Nutella.
Teaching Moment: Pair to the most difficult ingredient.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20201216-the-mysterious-origin-of-zanzibar-pizza
One of Many Recipes: https://swahilifood.com/zanzibar-pizza/

The Wine?

100% Organic and Biodynamic Tempranillo, 19.99
Almate Tempranillo Alfredo Maestro, unsulphured, deep, ripe Spanish red.
Almate Tempranillo from Alfredo Maestro is an organic, unsulphured, dark coloured, richly scented wine with a nose of ripe fruit, lavender and toffee with notes of rose. On the palate minerals, plum, cherry and berry compote. This Tempranillo sees only old oak barrels for 4 months, it is ripe, soft and delicious easy drinking. A superb value natural wine for any occasion. This is wine with no sulphur. More about Alfredo Maestro 

http://www.josepastorselections.com/alfredo-maestro.html

** New Stuff to Talk About. Be Nice. **

Driverless Cars
Robotics start-up Nuro starts driverless delivery operations as early as next year.
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-55438969
OK. Additional cars on road. Some kind of energy will be used to power these robots.
Besides saving money for corporations by putting people out of work,
what problem has the driverless car solved?
A box for space junk
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-55463366
Is the solution worse than the problem?
FAA Outlines New Rules for Drones
https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=25541
Do we need specialized Arit Traffic controllers? Job Fair!
And Pierre Cardin passed to the Big Runway this week.
Many said he dressed Jane Jetson because: "The clothing I prefer is the one
I create for a life that does not yet exist, the world of tomorrow."
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/style/pierre-cardin-
he-dressed-jane-jetson-and-lady-gaga.html
As a fan of Jane Jetson and Pierre Cardin, and with their collective spirits in mind,  
I chose a wine that is for today but can fly into the future!
BTW, while Pierre has been thought of as French, and true he was raised in France,
Pierre was born Pietro Costante Cardin in San Biagio di Callalta, Italy near Venice.
Ciao Asheville has issued a statement mourning the loss of their countryman.
Genetics, baby! Nevertheless, we go French on the wine:

VEEMA Rouge 2016 - Languedoc, FR
Florentia Stoppini, Winemaker
Blend: 45% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre
Aging: 6 months in new French oak barrels.
Tasting notes: Veema’s time-honored and harmonious combination of Syrah,
Grenache, and Mourvèdre offer an engaging wine that preserves the boldness
and complexity of that blend. Leather and smoked meat give a brawny edge
to a nose of pure, fragrant black fruit, brown spice, vanilla, and violets.

We poured Veema for the New Year's Eve Zoom Event
with the importer, Philippe Bourgeois, and the bottle was a BIG HIT. BIG.
Philippe says VEEMA can go 5 years "into the future" in bottle!

92 Points from The Tasting Panel Magazine.
** An amazing Value at $14.99 **
(Still celebrating NYE! Regular shelf price is $16.99)
Bringing VEEMA to $12.75 per bottle by the case!

2021 New Stuff

** Including ALL New Wines **

Let's Start Here

Les Terrasses Ventoux Blanc 2018, 14.99

(Called L'Aguieloun in France and named after a cold wind from the northeast)
Made with a blend of Clairette and Ugni Blanc, this wine is crisp and has aromas
of white fruit and flowers, and finishes with bright acidity and a light lavender note. 

******************************************************************
Bow & Arrow Sauvignon Blanc 2018
La Chenaie Vineyard, $19.99

Proof that Sauvignon Blanc made the right way can be terroir driven.
We make the two wines exactly the same way but the Eola-Amity Hills
highlights wholly different attributes in Sauvignon Blanc.
More sophisticated than the southern versionand incorporates a savory aspect.   Texturally is carries more weight and depth without being ponderous.  
Reminiscent of stone fruit, guava, mint and a whiff of Rum Agricole.

** Sparkling at Your Price **

Belvive  Sparkling NV, Cantine Povero, Italy $8.99
This wine is less about thinking and more about drinking! Bright and fun flavors
lead you to either drink it like any great sparkling wine or, if so inclined, blend it with your favorite OJ or Peach Juice for a cocktail that everyone will be appreciate.

** Note: Belvive was a MetroWines Focus Group Pick! in 2020 **
Let's stop here for a Teaching Moment. What's NV? Non-vintage (NV) wine
is made by blending multiple years together. NV wines are known
for their consistent, house style and are usually a good value. 

Avinyo Cava Reserva 2017, Spain $17.99
90 Points, Wine&Spirits Magazine
($19.99 at wine.com. Who cares. It's out of stock anyway. As usual.)
Pinpoint bubbles mingle with fruits, fresh-baked bread and a crisp,
mineral-driven finish. Traditional Catalan sparkling made méthode traditionnelle.
100% free run juice, aged 18 to 22 months before being disgorged.

Baga Bruto 2017, Portugal $24
100% Baga, a varietal planted in Bairrada.
15 year old vines planted in clay, calcareous soil. Stainless steel.
Second fermentation 12 to 18 months before bottling.

Castelnau Reserve Champagne, $40
40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier
Wine Spectator: 90 Points: "Fresh and lightly toasty, this creamy Champagne
offers open-knit flavors of black currant, toasted brioche and lemon parfait.
An accent of smoky mineral chimes in on the subtle finish."

Christian Etienne Brut, NV Cuvee Meurville, $54
Christian Etienne has been handcrafting different Champagne cuvees
on his 9 hectacre plot in the Aube with chalk and limestone soils are ideal for producing top notch Champagne. This offering, is as blend of mostly Pinot Noir, with the classic Champagne nose, terrific body weight, elegant mousse, and long finish. Served as an aperitif or pair with a variety of foods.

We also have Large Format Bottles, some in wood boxes!
For Other Selections and Prices Ranges
Call (828) 575-9525.

"2020 Wine of the Year"
2018 Franck Balthazar Cotes du Rhone, $23

The Balthazar domaine dates back to 1931, when it was founded
by Franck’s grandfather Casimir. René took charge in 1950 and began domaine bottling on a small scale in the 1970s. All the while he continued to sell most
of his wine in cask—as Casimir and so many others of his generation had done—to the local cafés.  Franck now bottles all of his tiny production,
made by methods little changed from those of his grandfather:
he plows with a horse, and bottles his wines without fining or filtration.
2018 Cotes du Rhone is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah; it is luxurious, elegant and expressive, with an unmistakable sense of place.

The Winemaker, Franck Balthazar

One of the top growers following tradition is Franck Balthazar,
who left his engineering career in 2002 to answer the siren song
of the steep granite slopes of Cornas and pursue the classic farming
and winemaking methods of his father René. 12 years later,
Balthazar is making some of the most expressive,
and rigorously traditional, wines in Cornas.
More about Balthazar: https://www.rarewineco.com/producer/franck-balthazar/

*** Staff Picks for 2020 ***

** John's Pick **
Maestro 2016, South Africa $24
32% Roussanne, 23% Chardonnay, 23% Chenin Blanc, 15% Grenache Blanc,
and 7% Viognier. The nose shows notes of concentrated orange
and yellow stone fruits, with a hint of spice, citrus and blossoms.
The palate is full-bodied, textured and nuanced with a lingering finish.
"Not new to the shop but a consistently high quality and versatile wine.
The unique blend presents just enough crispness and texture resulting
in a familiar yet different and enticing palate."

** Gina's Pick **
VentiSei 2017, Italy $16.99
91 Points from James Suckling
Fresh raspberry notes, delicate underbrush hints and sweet spice aromas
will charm you. Serious wine drinkers will think Cru Beaujolais got their passport stamped in Italy while touring Montepulciano. Juiciness and mineral finish
will call for another glass straight away.
"Aside from the fact that this is just a great, easy drinking and pleasing wine,
it reminds me of the strawberry farm in Hammond Louisiana, owned by my father's immigrant family, where they occasionally made strawberry wine. This is no doubt
a much more complex and elegant version, but it still brings back memories
and sends me to my comfort zone. Wine can do that!"

** Zach's Pick **
Biortolone Frappato 2018, Sicily $16.99
Bortolone's 100% Frappato is from vines grown on sandy red soils at an altitude
of 260 meters. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel in order to preserve its prisitine fruit qualities. This Frappato is a pale, light ruby color with intense aromas of cherries, blueberries and raspberries with a subtle earthiness. The palate is light and fresh with moderate tannins and wonderful concentration of berry fruit flavors. Zach says: "Bortolone Frappato is an amazing value from a small family
that has been in Sicily since the 1800s. This organic Frappato over delivers.
Light to medium bodied, balanced fruit and acidity. Very versatile with food."

** Andy's Pick **
Chateau Musar Jeune 2018, Lebanon $19.99
Blend: Cinsault 50%, Syrah 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%
The 2018 Chateau Musar Jeune Red is a deep plum color with a violet rim.
Aromas of blueberries, dark red cherries with Mediterranean herbs,
tobacco and spice. A warm and fruity wine with medium tannins
and gentle acidity. Dense darkfruits –including blackcurrants, blueberries
as well as strawberries and pomegranate with a touch of Eastern spice. 
Andy says: "Musar is one of my favorite wineries in the world
and certainly the Middle East. Stylistically, it is halfway between
Bordeaux and Cotes du Rhone with a generous dab of Napa Cab tossed in.
It's easy drinking enough on its own but also pairs well with food. 
The fact that it's under $20 makes it a treat that I can enjoy on a regular basis."

** Lou's Pick **
Shebang 13th Cuvee, California $14.99
90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blend: 55% Zinfandel blended with Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre,
Alicante Bouchet, Grenache, Syrah, Barbera and a touch of whites
for aromatics much of which comes from old vines.
Lou says: The Whole Shebang! The most popular Red Blend at both our locations. And who doesn't love a good blend? This rich and full bodied beauty goes well with steak, grilled meats or just by itself. I'm Lou Collichio and I approve of this message!"

** Kristen's Pick **
Christian Etienne Brut Rose NV, France $46
From a small family grower. Their rosé is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay
from vines averaging 25 years old, and it bursts from the glass in bright,
fresh berry fruit and a resplendent color.
Kristen is our Wedding Coordinator and she is all about joy.
She says "This bottle is pink and bubbly like me, joyful and so, so good." 

*** Brett's Pick ***
2016 Clos Guirouilh Jurancon, $22
Clos Guirouilh Estate has been in the same family since the 16th century.
Jean Guirouilh is currently operates the estate. The climate is characterized by cooler temperatures, and the soil varies from clay-calcareous to grès.
The Jurancon Sec is made up of 85% Gros Manseng and 15% Courbu.
The vines are over 40 years old and are located at an average of 350 meters elevation on steep slopes. The nose of Jurancon Sec comes across as floral and sweet, but with a palate that is dry, flinty and bright. 
Brett says: This bottle is from a woman winemaker, the daughter
of the patriarch of the Jurancon region, Jean Guirouilh. Jurancon is just southwest
of Bordeaux. A Bordeaux Blanc with more of a cold climate mountainous core laced with an elegance throughout. Best bottle for classical old world French white.

Celebrate the End of 2020 with a case of staff picks!