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!

• NV Bollinger Champagne “Special Cuvée” $62.99
  
• ’06 Filippi Soave Colli Scaligeri “Castelcerino” $14.99 (organic)
• ’08 Yellow + Blue Cafayate Torrontes $11.99 (1L, organic)
  
• ’08 Bonny Doon Monterey County Albariño “Ca’ del Solo” $21.99 (biodynamic)
  

’06 Lavradores de Feitoria Douro “Tinto”

The Portuguese have been producing wine for centuries, but for almost as long Portugal was known only for Port. Thankfully, the country is now being recognized for its more nuanced, unfortified wines. Its location between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean subjects different regions (and sub-regions) to different climates, which accounts for great variety in their wines.

Lavradores de Fietoria hails from the Douro region, which is situated along the Douro River in northern Portugal. Famous for its Port production, the Douro is increasingly becoming recognized for top quality table wine. The grapes are sourced from fifteen vineyards in three sub-regions: Baixa Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior. The wine is a blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga National, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz (a clone of Spanish Tempranillo). Due to climate variations between the sub-regions, Douro wines vary from light and fruity to dense, acidic and tannic. By blending the different grapes from the different areas, Lavradores has taken advantage of the terrific variety that the Douro offers. The wine is full of plum and raspberry aromas with excellent acidity and soft tannins. It is a wonderful compliment to heavier fish options as well as light or smoked meats, and can be enjoyed quite simply on its own. $11.99