87 Main Street
Annapolis
MD 21401
Check out our monthly “Staff Picks” wines, where we choose 12 of our current favorite wines, specially chosen to pair well with seasonal dishes and that present good value for the price. Save 10% on any purchases, or put together a mixed-or-matched case of 12 bottles for a 20% discount.
October Staff Picks
Mercerin Martin Cremant de Loire, France (Aron)
Any celebration would benefit from this vivacious sparkling wine made in the Champagne method in the Loire Valley of France. Made from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, it shows a beautiful creamy rich texture and complex notes of quince, chalk and stone. Finishing bone dry with a cavalcade of tiny bubbles, this would prove to be a beautiful aperitif or pairing with brie or gruyere cheeses. A votre santè!
$19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Constantia Glen 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa (Pat)
Try this refreshing new Sauvignon Blanc arrival from the Constantia Valley of South Africa, an area with a proud winemaking culture dating back to 1685. Showing bright tropical fruit notes, well-integrated minerality and a round, pleasing mouthfeel, this will pair equally well with steamed shrimp, fall salads with kale, squash and cranberries, or beets with goat cheese.
$10.00
Mills Club $9.00
Case $8.00
Ermanno Costa 2020 Balin, Piedmont, Italy (Andrew)
The Costa family organically farms this special 17-acre amphitheater shaped plot in Roero, an appellation in the Piedmont region of Italy. They make lovely Barbera and Nebbiolo reds, and this graceful Chardonnay, which is unoaked. Not unlike a well-made white Burgundy, this white wine will serve to amplify, not cover up dishes containing delicate lobster or crabmeat.
$29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99 ORGANIC
Muller Ruprecht 2021 Blanc de Noir, Pfalz, Germany (Andres)
The limestone rich hills of the Pfalz region of Germany is an ideal place for growing Riesling, Pinot Noir, and in this case, Pinot Noir’s elegant cousin “Fruhburgunder”, an early ripening delicate dark blue grape. This still rosè is dry, very light, showing loads of red fruit aromatics, a touch of citrus, and a core of minerality from those limestone soils! Enjoy as a delicious aperitif or with fried chicken or veal schnitzel.
$24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99
Northwest Ridge 8 Barrel Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon (Tim)
Born and educated in Bordeaux, winemaker Laurent Montalieu worked at Chateau La Tour Blanche in Bordeaux and then Domaine Mumm in Napa before moving to Oregon with stints at Bridgeview and prestigious WillaKenzie. Now he’s established his own vineyards and winery in Dundee, Oregon. This wine is a wonderful example of his work, a whole cluster fermented Pinot Noir aged in French oak. Showing black cherry fruit, vanilla and elegant, silky tannins, it will pair well with substantial fish like salmon or roasted chicken.
$29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Tenuta Bonincontro 2020 Melovivo Frappato, Sicily, Italy (Jen & Jerry)
Frappato is an ancient varietal boasting juicy berry and cherry fruit notes, lively acidity, and low tannins. Frappato is frequently compared to Gamay in fruit and texture so if you enjoy a good Beaujolais, this will be a perfect selection for you. Sicilians enjoy this wine with fish couscous, grilled fish, or charcuterie.
$19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99 ORGANIC
Palacio del Burgo 2018 Rioja Tinto, Spain (David)
This delightful red is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes grown in the clay/limestone dominant soils in Rihuelo, between the town of Alfaro and the slopes of Monte Yegra. A portion of the wine is aged in American oak, adding richness and complexity. Full-bodied with plum and strawberry jam notes and a velvety texture, this will be a great match for braised brisket tacos, or grilled chorizo sausages with rice and beans.
$10.00
Mills Club Price: $9.00
Case: $8.00
Chateau Piney 2018 St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France (Jen & Jerry)
Comprised of 59% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, this affordable St.-Emilion wine shows dark fruits, richness, and good structure and acidity. Solid tannins require food accompaniment- try with grilled lamb chops or a hearty roast beef with root vegetables and gravy. Rated 91pts Wine Enthusiast.
$24.99
Mills Club $22.49
Case $19.99
Donna Laura 2020 Ali Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (Tim)
Ali translates to “wings” in Italian, and is also the name of winery owner Lia Tolaini-Banville’s angelic daughter Ali. Crafted from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel except half of the Cabernet which sees 10 months in barrique. Showing juicy red berry fruit notes and balanced acidity and ripe tannins, this will pair wonderfully with traditional Tuscan dishes…try with creamy Tuscan ravioli or gnocchi.
$15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79
Crosarola Valpolicella 2018 Ripasso Classico, Veneto, Italy (Andres)
Valpolicella is a beautiful appellation in the Veneto east of Lake Garda in the foothills of the Alps. Deeply rooted in winemaking tradition, the name “Val polis cellae” literally translates to “valley of many cellars”. This unique wine is made from 60% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 5% Corvinone and 5% Molinara aged 12 months in French oak. After the initial fermentation, a secondary fermentation takes place the following spring with Recioto and Amarone pomace, adding structure, complexity and aromatics. Displaying notes of dried cherry, plum, tobacco and leather with velvety tannins and good acidity, this will pair well with pepperoni pizza, mushroom risotto, or pork chops.
$19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case $15.99
Auspicion 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, California (Andrew)
Ripe berry and plum aromas abound in this Cabernet Sauvignon loaded with juicy black fruit notes and silky tannins! Touches of cocoa, toffee and vanilla from several months of oak aging add to the complexity. This is the perfect wine to enjoy with grilled burgers or to simply enjoy by the fire as the weather cools!
$12.99
Mills Club: $11.69
Case Price: $10.39
Kennedy Shah 2016 La Vie En Rouge, Columbia Valley, Washington (Pat)
This red blend from Washington State offers tremendous value! Made from a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, it offers up concentrated plum, cassis and blackberry notes. Medium-bodied with tannins softened by the passage of time, it will pair nicely with meatloaf or Greek meatballs with Tzatzkiki sauce!
$10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00