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
Luca Paretti Brut Prosecco Rosè, Italy (Avery)
Luca Paretti is a brand produced by Serena Wines in Treviso, a winery that’s been family run since its founding 1881. In 2019, the rolling hills containing Serena’s vineyards were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made from 88% Glera and 12% Pinot Noir, this soft bubbly Rosè is perfumed with the aromas of wild strawberries. Enjoy with Nicoise salad, or as a brunch accompaniment alongside fruit and smoked salmon.
$10.00
Mills Club $9.00
Case Price $8.00
Chateau Vartely 2021 Viorica, Bugeac, Moldova (Aron)
Viorica is a white grape grown only in Moldova, a hybrid of two red grape varieties named Seibel and Aleatico. Bursting with pretty fruit notes including pear, apple, and stone fruit, this zesty white wine duly impressed us! Try this fruit forward crisp white with chicken stir fry, Spicy Thai food, or a Greek salad.
$11.99
Mills Club $10.79
Case Price $9.59
Quattro Theory 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, California (Tim)
We enjoyed tasting the line up from Quattro Theory recently, “Quattro” a reference to winemaker Landon Donley’s aim of bringing together four elements: vision, quality vines, precision winemaking, and finally, the experience of enjoying food and wine with friends. We were particularly charmed by the Sauvignon Blanc, from some of the oldest Sauvignon plantings in Napa Valley in Calistoga. A small amount of Semillon adds a bit of roundness to the wine. Aromas of vanilla and vibrant stone and citrus fruit notes and fresh acidity make this a wonderful pairing with fresh oysters, lemon-herb roasted chicken, or salad topped with goat cheese.
$31.99
Mills Club: $28.79
Case Price: $25.59
Les Gentilhommes 2022 Macon-Peronne, France (Pat)
“Les Gentilhommes”, translating to “the gentlemen”, in this case refers to brothers Richard and Stephane Martin who make this Chardonnay in the village of Peronne in Burgundy. A small 15% of the wine was aged in oak for 9months, while the remainder aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks. The wine is fresh with notes of peach and apple accented by fresh acidity and mineral tones. This is a no-brainer pairing with roast chicken, salmon, or certainly anything with crab!
$24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99
Scarpetta 2022 Frico Rosato, Italy (Jen & Jerry)
This light-bodied, super-affordable Rosè is made from a classic group of Tuscan grapes Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Ciliegiolo. Featuring crisp tart cherry, grapefruit and Mediterranean herb notes, this is a great aperitif or pairing with cheeses, salads or fish prepared simply with a squeeze of lemon and fresh basil or rosemary.
$10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Damien Martin 2021 Bourgogne Pinot Noir, France (Avery)
Damien Martin was established in 1975, a 2.5 hectare estate with limestone rich soils in the village of Davaye. It’s now grown to 20 hectares, focusing on the production of Chardonnay, Gamay and Pinot Noir. This example of their work is a brooding expression of Pinot Noir, featuring dark wild berry notes and super silky tannins. This would be an excellent match for a charcuterie board or grilled salmon or herb-rubbed chicken.
$24.99
Mills Club $22.49
Case $19.99
Fratelli Alessandria 2021 Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Italy (Pat)
Pelaverga Piccolo is the name of the grape, a varietal unique to the commune of Verduno in Piedmont. Fratelli Alessandria could make a good deal more money dedicating this vineyard space to Barolo production but this wine holds a special place in the hearts of the family. Known for beautiful aromatics, this wine gives off layers of rhubarb, wet earth, and rosebud scents. Enjoy this lovely light to medium-bodied, velvety-textured red with good acidity with pizza, pasta dishes with tomato sauce, or roasted poultry.
$29.99
Mills Club $26.99
Case $23.99
Finca Torremilanos 2020 Montecastrillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain (Andres)
We found this delicious Tempranillo to be a great value, especially for a Biodynamically produced wine from Ribera del Duero! Aged in French and American oak for 4 months, this bold red shows dark fruit notes, mineral and earth tones, and smooth tannins culminating in a long, pleasing finish. This would be a great pairing for grilled flank steak and peppers, or estofados, a slow-simmering Spanish beef stew.
$13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19 BIODYNAMIC
Le Seuil de Mazeyres 2018 Pomerol, France (Jen & Jerry)
Fall is the perfect time to experiment with Bordeaux, this example comprised largely of Merlot and Petit Verdot from the highly esteemed (and tiny!) Pomerol appellation and the great vintage of 2018. This relatively affordable Pomerol is the second wine of the estate Chateau Mazeyres, boasting black fruit and licorice notes and tannins that require a delicious plate of lamb chops or charcuterie and cheese. This wine shows best when decanted or given the chance to air in the glass, and at the proper temperature of 60 degrees-pop in the frig for 20 minutes before opening.
$34.99
Mills Club: $31.49
Case Price: $27.99 ORGANIC
Tooth and Nail 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California (Aron)
This Cabernet Sauvignon displays the characteristic Paso Robles style, exuding blueberry, raspberry and cherry notes and a rich and luxurious mouthfeel with ample structure. Aged 10 months in French oak, this bold wine can be enjoyed with grilled or roasted beef dishes. Tech fans will enjoy scanning the label with the app and listening to Tooth and Nail’s version of the “future of wine”.
$24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99
Josh Phelps “Grounded” 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, California (Andres)
Josh Phelps grew up in Napa Valley, the son of famed winemaker Chris Phelps. Chris Phelps is the founder and winemaker at Ad Vivum, and before that enjoyed stints at Chateau Pètrus in Bordeaux as well as Dominus and Caymus in Napa Valley. Dad is focused on producing $100+ wines, while son has honed in on producing great value wines such as this example. Grapes selected from Central Coast and Northern interior vineyards of California were harvested and transported to the winery in St Helena. Boasting black cherry, blackberry, cocoa and toasty oak notes, this silky smooth red would pair wonderfully with grilled skirt steak or cheeseburgers.
$19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Parducci True Grit 2019 Petite Sirah Reserve, Mendocino, California (Tim)
Petite Sirah originated in France in the 1800s, where it was known as Durif. This hybrid grape was created by crossing Syrah with a relatively unknown varietal Peloursin. Now, it’s primarily grown in California, Washington State and Australia. There’s nothing petite about this bold, muscular red, sporting plum and blueberry notes with touches of vanilla and nutmeg from aging in American and Hungarian oak. Try with rich meals such as Mongolian glazed short ribs, blue cheese topped burgers, or steak au poivre.
$14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99