By Rick Riozza
Last week we had the privilege and opportunity to showcase some of the wine in my client’s wine cellar. (https://coachellavalleyweekly.com/the-wine-fix-for-26)
Therein we wrote: “As your somm-about-town, and, your friendly neighborhood wine steward over at Ralphs Market Palm Springs, one thing that keeps my position invigorating is when I get to curate a selection of wines for our clients and customers…
In particular however, I also have a small private list of clients who have me select and purchase cases of wine for the long term—often for an entire year. This brings me to highlight a certain Hollywood celebrity, residing here in Palm Springs—who has given me permission to publish in this column, her trove of wines that I’ve curated and purchased for her—and her guests, for the coming year.
First off, she likes wines from across the board and is wonderfully interested in trying new and interesting wines. As to costs, her instructions were, “I’m happy to pay for the good stuff for special occasions—as long as it is worth it! But as always, please grab me some great deals of table wine for all the other days!”
So it’s a pretty extensive list. What we’ll do is present the excellent table wines that are available everywhere. Next week, we’ll get to the more esoteric labels we grabbed that can challenge the usual quaffers to expand their palate.
So now, the time is nigh, and we will “expose” some of the more “selective” wines we’ve curated for her—for those times where her mood demands a vino to fit the occasion:
Wonderfully trending these days are the dry white wines from the Anjou region of the Loire Valley in France. Savennières is a dry Chenin Blanc that’s a great change-up from the usual Sauv Blanc—although it’s hard to pass up a Sancerre any time of day.
Some wine folk consider the wine as a “thinking person’s white”. It’s more reticent, than the Savvy Blancs but shows regal elegance. It’s incredibly versatile and it’s fascinating with food which seems to bring out its minerality and complexity. Good acidity with notes of almond, green apple, quince, light honey, citrus, hay, brioche, peaches & pears.
We picked up some cases of Domaine du Closel La Jalousie ($40) and Domiane aux Moines, La Roche ($50).
Speaking about the Loire Valley, there is a really underrated red grape variety that should be on your radar if you love light-bodied, chillable reds loaded with bright fruit flavors. Indeed, the grape itself is named Chenin Noir.
Les Tètes Pineau d’Aunis 2024 ($28) This is grown in biodynamically farmed vineyards in Touraine Azay-le-Rideau, Loire Valley, from clay-limestone soils enriched with flint, creating ideal conditions for this rare indigenous variety. Hand-harvested grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in concrete tanks, followed by minimal intervention winemaking with light filtration and trace sulfur additions. A trendy favorite at 10.5% alcohol.
Brilliant ruby-garnet color with vibrant clarity. The nose reveals wild strawberries, raspberries, and distinctive white pepper notes characteristic of the variety. This expression pops with zippy, tart notes of ripe raspberries, cranberries, and blood orange with hints of fall spices. Light to medium-bodied palate delivers bright red fruit intensity, balanced acidity, silky tannins, and a characteristic spicy finish with herbaceous undertones.
Perfect with charcuterie, light meats, and cheese. And you Francophiles, listen up! Pairs beautifully with rillettes de Tours, the traditional Loire Valley pork pâté from Touraine region.
2023 Ignaz Niedrist Kalterersee Classico Superiore DOC, Alto Adige, Italy ($30)
This wine is a stunning example of Alto Adige’s best Schiava... This fresh, dangerously drinkable wine comes from one of the region’s most respected producers, showcasing the finesse and quality they’re known for.
Made from Vernatsch (Schiava) with a 5% blend of Teroldego and Lagrein, it’s a wine that balances approachability with depth. The grapes are grown on a historic site overlooking Lake Caldaro, where 80-year-old vines, trained in the traditional pergola system, benefit from the south-east facing slopes.
Another great chillable wine, the nose is maraschino cherry and Alpine forest. The palate pops with bright flavors of cherry along with more subtle, savory hints of wild strawberry tops, white pepper, and minerals, and, a touch of slight herbal bitterness. Went wonderfully with shrimp orzo with spicy marinated feta. That meal was the bomb!
If you wish to treat yourself to a great California Cab for around $180. Seek of the Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 This winery makes Cabernet Sauvignon that is timeless. As Napa leaned into more powerful expressions of Cab, Mayacamas stuck to its restrained, lifted mountain fruit character. The palate is focused with notes of cedar, pine, blackberry, and red plum shining through the firm structure.
Sherry (Fino and Manzanilla) We love these bone-dry sherries, which age in barrels under layers of yeast called flor, as aperitifs and with traditional pairings like Marcona almonds and jamon Ibérico. These wines come from Andalusia in Spain, a currently dynamic region full of fascinating rediscoveries and wonderful wines. But even as those wines take center stage, let’s not forget the beauty of good fino and manzanilla.
We got cases of Hidalgo-La Gitana Manzanilla en Rama ($20), and Valdespino Fino Inocente ($40). Enjoy these wonderful quaffs before or after dinner. Cheers!
