Wine Down Thursday: Old World Elegance

Thursday, February 5th 6-7:30pm

Sampler: $20

While many wines are celebrated for their bold, sunshine-filled intensity, there is a special kind of magic found in Old World Elegance. This style is all about subtlety, structure, and the quiet nuances of the vineyard. This week for Wine Down Thursday, we are celebrating wines that prioritize finesse and harmony. We’ve curated a flight that embodies the poise of classic European winemaking, featuring a sparkling Rosé from the heart of the Loire, a silky Pinot Nero from the foothills of the Italian Alps, and a laser-sharp Chenin Blanc from a collective of France’s most dedicated vignerons. Join us as we explore wines that feel like a perfectly tailored suit—bottles where the fruit, the acidity, and the earthy mineral notes are in seamless, graceful balance.

NV M.Bonnamy Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé

Nothing captures a sense of occasion quite like the fine, persistent bubbles of a traditional method Crémant. Produced in the Loire Valley, this 100% Cabernet Franc Rosé is a masterclass in texture. It pours a delicate salmon pink and offers a bouquet of wild strawberries, red currants, and a hint of toasted brioche. On the palate, it is crisp and dry, with a creamy mousse that feels luxurious without being heavy. It’s the perfect polished sparkler to kick off any evening.

2024 Les Athlètes du Vin Chenin

The Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy has been a sanctuary for Pinot Nero since the mid-1800s, and Tenuta Mazzolino is one of its most historic custodians. The "Terrazze" refers to the steep, sun-drenched slopes that rise up to 300 meters above sea level. This elevation is critical; the cool alpine breezes at night preserve the grape's delicate acidity, while the clay-limestone soils provide a refined structure. The result is a wine that captures the bright, lifted side of the variety, showing notes of sour cherry and rose petals with a stony minerality that only comes from high-altitude viticulture.

2024 Tenuta Mazzolino Terrazze Pinot Nero

The Loire Valley is the spiritual home of Chenin Blanc, and this bottling from a collective of top-tier growers is pure, unadulterated class. "The Athletes of Wine" focus on movement and energy in their fermentations. This Chenin is bone-dry and vibrant, featuring notes of bruised apple, honeysuckle, and the grape’s signature wooly minerality. It possesses a beautiful "cut" and clarity, showcasing the poise and longevity that make Loire Valley whites some of the most respected in the world.