INSIDER'S PICK: 2020 PHILIPPE GRISARD JACQUERE CRUET CRU 'PREMICE' $19.99

Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We will be returning to doing just the one wine on Thursdays and Fridays until further notice. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.

This time of year we often take a little bit of inspiration from the Tour De France for an Insider's Pick wine, and this year it just happens to coincide with an exciting new arrival. Stages 8 and 9 took place over the 4th of July weekend and featured climbs in the French Alps along the Swiss and Italian borders. At the foot of these mountains is the wine region of Savoie, a long time favorite famous for elegant, delicate white wines and some uniquely savory wines from native varieties like Mondeuse. The villages of Abymes and Apremont are the most famous sites here, as much for the size (relatively speaking) as for the quality. Cruet is part of a string of six tiny Crus known as the Combe de Savoie, producing maybe as much in combination as either Abymes or Apremont do, but with outstanding quality available within them. Here, the Grisard family has been known for several generations; this domaine is under the father's care, but both sons have their own projects as well. This wine features the Jacquere  grape, the same as what's found in Abymes and Apremont wines, but carries a bit of extra texture and energy than its counterparts thanks to better exposure in the vineyards. Bright crystalline aromas of white fruits, flowers, and citrus with an Alpine coolness and freshness that is so distinct for the region. Light and delicate on the palate but with a bit more body and length to the finish than usually found from Jacquere, just enough to enhance the intensity a bit without losing any prettiness. A fascinating producer whose got quite a few unique gems in their portfolio, sure to be appearing in our store soon to try by those that become inspired to explore by tasting this one.  

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