Appellation Wine and Spirits — an unconventional wine store. By unconventional we mean that we focus on producers that depart from convention and make wine that is organic or biodynamic.  Please take the time to learn within these pages about this way of producing wine as well as our store -- better yet, visit us in our West Chelsea neighborhood in New York City and share with us an enthusiasm and love for wine.  Cheers!

• ’97 A.-F. Gros Vosne Romanée Aux Réas $10.99 (375ml)
  
• ’05 Chateau d’Issan Margaux $74.99
  
• ’06 Palin Limari Valley Syrah $12.99 (Organic)
  

’01 Bianchi Gattinara “Vigna Valferana”

Wine and family are natural partners, passing through celebrations hand in hand, marking memorable moments with toasts, cheers, perhaps a few tears.  It’s the same within the wine producing world.  There’s an impenetrable bond that ties families to their wine.  At many vineyards, winemaking is the parent’s legacy to bestow upon their children.   In most of these cases, the children discover they share the same passion for winemaking that’s brewed in their blood for generations.

Poalo Tealdi Bianchi is a prime example of carrying out such a legacy.  The Bianchi family began producing wines in Sizzano in 1785.  Poalo is the eighth generational winemaker of the Bianchi brood.  After studying organic agriculture and viticulture at the University of Alba, Poalo saw the direction in which the wine world was trending.  So in 1990, he started adhering to organic techniques. 

From his hillside vineyard in Valferana (one of premier growing areas in Gattinara), he grows the noble Nebbiolo.  The most well known grape grown in Piedmont, Nebbiolo is behind classic wines like Barolo and Barbaresco.  Due to the popularity of Barolo and Barbaresco, the market demands top dollar.  So if you’re of the Italian-loving, budget-conscious folk, then Gattinara is a perfect solution. 

Typical of Nebbiolo, the color is a medium ruby with a tinge of orange.  It’s an intensely fragrant wine with notes of violets, roses, and vanilla.  On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with soft tannins, featuring notes of cherries, earth and cinnamon spice.  You can match this wine with a variety of meats and cheese.  Grilled or braised lamb would be fantastic.

If you’re wild about Barolo but worried about endangering your bank account, try Bianchi’s Gattinara.  It’s a classic that is sure to please you, your guests and your wallet.