Staff Picks From Neal Rosenthal’s Portfolio
Neal Rosenthal has been discovering dedicated growers, supporting unique producers, and sourcing excellent European wine for over four decades. His portfolio is massive, but the bottlings are unified by their high-quality and classic representations of revered regions.
Saumur-Champigny “Les Sables,” Ch. de Chaintres – 2021 $21.96
Chateau de Chaintres is a seventeenth-century mansion deep in the Saumur-Champigny region. As I have grown to love the grape variety Cabernet Franc, this has become one of my absolute favorite regions for flavorful and affordable wine. Winemaker Jean-Philippe Louis delicately crafts this cuvée, resting it in both stainless-steel tanks and terracotta jars before 8 months of aging in primarily neutral oak.The fruit flavors are mature, landing somewhere between plum and cassis berry. The minerality was expectedly great, coming from the limestone-rich soil of Loire. A subtle spice of clove lingers on a truly elegant finish. A perfect wine choice for cheese and hors d’oeuvre or a bistro lunch. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Chinon “L’Epée”, Ch. du Petit Thouars – 2018 $21.96
To say that Neal Rosenthal has good instincts is more than an understatement. A legend in the wine world, his portfolio has long showcased the many viticultural regions of France. There was one notable exception – Chinon. What he finally chose.. voila! My expectations were high and I was not disappointed. Smooth on the palate with silky tannins, layers of red fruit (cranberry, currant, bing cherry) mix with earthier notes (leaves and herbs) and a touch of ground pepper, making for diverse pairings from meat to heartier fish to veggies to cheese. I enjoyed mine with a gyro packed with lamb, onion, tomato and tzatziki. Unconventional, but I like to think Neal would approve. – Doug Yacka, Operations Manager
Torrette, Grosjean Frères – 2022 $23.96
The Grosjean family originally raised cattle and in the summer cultivated grapes and chestnuts. They produced wine but didn’t start to get recognized until 1969 when they showed their products at a local expo. They expanded their vineyards and now the five sons of Dauphin are running the business. They plant local varieties and try to respect the land as much as possible. It’s a fresh, delicious wine with notes of red fruit such as strawberry and cherry. It’s delicious and earthy with a bright acidity. I would pair with cold cuts and soft cheese or with the amazing “polenta concia,” polenta with melted cheese in it! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Sales Consultant
Badebec Rosso, Cuneaz Nadir – 2020 $29.96
I love borderlands as they are always interesting mixes of cultures, languages, and traditions. Italy’s Aosta Valley is a fantastic example of this blurring and blending. I find no less than 8 different local names for this special Alpine place at the border of Italy, France, and Switzerland. The labels are a mishmash of Italian and French, which warms my aspiring polyglot heart. La Cantina di Cunéaz Nadir is a tiny winery nestled in the high and steep hills here. The Badebec Rosso is far from your typical Aostan red however. This is a passito-style wine made from Petit Rouge, Fumin, and everyone’s favorite Vien de Nus. It is dry and more medium-bodied than your typical red from here. Dried cherry, anise, earth with nice acidity and mellow tannins make for a unique and delicious addition to your table. – Vince Grace, Assistant Buyer
Ch. Auney l’Hermitage Blanc, Graves – 2022 $29.96
This wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. Organic practices are used In the vineyard and the soil is rich in limestone, which provides minerality and structure. You can really taste the intensity and fragrance of Sémillon, often used in this region in a small percentage compared to Sauvignon Blanc. Muscadelle gives freshness. As you sip this wine you can taste melon and honey and a hint of candied fruit. I would pair it with white meat and fried dishes. Such an amazing drinking experience without spending a fortune! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Gigondas, Dom. Gour de Chaulé – 2020 $34.96
The Gigondas region is situated in the Southern Rhône Valley. This area is mainly known for red grapes. Grenache is the main grape used, but the two usual amazing partners—Syrah and Mourvèdre—help to create a wine with different layers. This wine is perfumed with aromas of red fruit, balanced by spice notes, dried fruit notes, and a solid tannic structure. Definitely bold in its style, I consider it, in a good way, an old style wine—earthy and concentrated with a long finish. I would decant it for a while before drinking it. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant