B-Sides & Rarities

Curated by Carl York
Sommelier and Operations Director at Craigie on Main and Kirkland Tap & Trotter

Deliveries begin on 4/3/18

While Chef Tony Maws has been busy setting the standard for farm-to-table cuisine, Carl York has quietly elevated Craigie on Main's wine program to one of the best in the country. Named one of 'America's Top 100 Wine Restaurants' by Wine Enthusiast, and honored with the Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, Carl's wine program is without a doubt, exceptional. 

INTRODUCING: B-SIDES & RARITIES

In music, the songs with the most mass market appeal make it onto the globally-promoted album, but true enthusiasts seek out the 'B-sides' to catch a more authentic glimpse of the artist.

This month, Carl is doing the same thing with wine. Sometimes, world-class winemakers produce tiny amounts of a heritage-style wine to keep history and tradition alive. These are projects of passion; styles which would otherwise be lost in favor of more marketable varietals. Carl York loves these obscure finds, and so do we!

THE WINES

Wind Gap Trousseau Gris
A light-bodied, easy drinking California white, perfectly suited to sipping in the afternoon sun. Only 900 cases produced, from perhaps the only plot of this grape in all of California. 

François Chidaine ‘Chenin d’Ailleurs’
A versatile, richly textured white with beautifully ripe citrus, white floral, and chalk notes. Francois specializes in classic, pure expressions of Chenin Blanc, but his own Chenin vineyards were destroyed by hail. He sourced these grapes from Limoux instead, to produce this stunning, one-of-a-kind vintage. 

Château La Grolet Côtes de Bourg
Deep red plum and stewed dark cherry notes are at the core of this well-integrated wine. The nose is fruit-driven as well, and the palate shows pleasant earth and warm spice. “The fruit tastes very alive,” York said. Try it with everything from burgers to spaghetti bolognese.

Fratelli Alessandria Pelaverga ‘Speziale’
“[Alessandria] makes arguably the most important Barolo cuvée, and then he makes this Pelaverga,” York said. “He doesn’t have to, but he does, because it’s important to his history and culture.” Tart red berries, distinctive cedar and pepper spice notes make it an ideal companion to all things smoky and grilled. Only 1600 cases made. 

In the Red-Only box, subtract the white wines above, and add these two reds: 

Château Combel la Serre ‘Le Pur Fruit de Causse’
“All the things you expect from Argentinian Malbec, in a lighter package,” York said. Fruit-driven, with ripe red berries on the nose and palate bely. Brilliant, juicy black plum and blackberry notes abound, with a lacy, peppery expression that keeps things interesting.

Clos Centeilles ‘C de Centeilles’
A blend of four of Minervois’ truly rare native varieties: Piquepoul Noir, Riveirenc Noir, Morestel Noir à Jus Blanc, and Œillade. If you've never heard of them, you're not alone (we were 1 for 4)! Brilliant ruby-red in the glass, with a nose chock-full of ripe red berry fruit, and a slightly herbal edge gives away this wine’s rustic terroir.